By Caitlin Pike
Senior figures in television news are advising Channel 4 ahead of
its decision over the renewal of the contract for its flagship news
programme, Channel 4 News.
Former ITN chief executive Stuart Purvis, who is now professor of
television journalism at City University, and Steve Hewlett, formerly
director of programmes at Carlton, are among those advising Channel 4
as the contract comes up for renewal in 2006.
ITN, the producer
of the 55-minute programme and employer of its main presenter, Jon
Snow, has held the contract since its launch in 1982.
Related
The success
of the award-winning Channel 4 News over the years and the vital part
played by Snow in that success has lead some industry commentators to
predict that ITN is likely to hold onto the contract.
In May this
year ITN won the contract to produce news for More 4, a new free to air
digital channel from Channel 4 being launched in October this year.
But
speculation over ITV’s plans for ITN and Sky News’ surprise winning of
the contract for Five News from it in 2004 will add an element of
uncertainty.
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