The BBC News Channel has recorded its biggest weekly audience since 2015  as a result of its coronavirus coverage, while Channel 4 News’ audience has “effectively doubled” in ten days.

ITV News has also reported higher than usual audiences across all its programmes, as “people look to public service broadcasters… for clarity” on the latest measures to help fight the pandemic.

All four news bulletins on both BBC One and the BBC News Channel saw their biggest week of the year so far last week, according to a spokesperson.