Channel 5 expands news service on Nov 8
October 26, 2021
5 News will launch its previously announced hour-long edition on November 8th.
The UK commercial broadcaster, owned by ViacomCBS, said “the expanded programme will deliver a greater depth of stories to a teatime audience – keeping the pace and tone enjoyed by existing 5 News viewers with an increased emphasis on analysing the issues that affect their lives the most.”
The programme will be presented by Sian Williams and Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije and run from 5pm to 6pm. It’s produced by ITN.
5 News says it will continue its boldness to lead on different stories to other news programmes by engaging viewers on a local level with a live team deployed across the UK. They’ll be out on the streets every day to hear how communities are impacted by political and economic decisions, giving space to under-represented voices and ideas. Viewers will also be able to WhatsApp the presenters directly.
The new-look 5 News will also include a regular segment with Williams looking at mental health and well-being. Williams has 15 years’ experience in this area and has recently passed a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, having spent three years delivering psychological therapy in the NHS and other areas. Williams will focus on telling positive stories from across the country speaking to guests and viewers to share their impactful and relatable experiences.
Editor, Cait FitzSimons, said: “5 News tells the stories that matter most to Britain. Our new look show is dedicated to increasing our stories from around the UK. It’s a commitment to hearing how the decisions taken in Westminster filter down to towns and cities – and a chance for us to find the stories that aren’t being covered by other news programmes.”
Daniel Pearl, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, at Channel 5, said: “Everything about 5 News is getting bigger – more investment, more space and more time is being given to the stories that matter and, crucially, our audience. The extended format is packed full of elements designed to engage and inform our viewers. Importantly, we will have a connective thread between Channel 5’s main news and current affairs programmes, with 5 News reflecting the pace and energy of Jeremy Vine each weekday.”
Williams added: “I’m really looking forward to this next chapter of news on Channel 5. The new 5 News will allow us to delve deeper into stories that matter to our viewers – including one of the biggest issues of our time – our mental well-being. I’m passionate about good mental health and I’m really looking forward to exploring how what goes on in the world, impacts our viewers’ lives. They have trust and confidence in us to tell their stories and I hope they will embrace and maybe have some fun with us too, as we begin the next generation of 5 News.”