News move gets mixed reaction

Greg Dyke's plan has not met with universal approval

BBC News Online readers have given a mixed response to Director General Greg Dyke's announcement that the flagship evening news bulletin will move from 9pm to 10pm.

Some are enthusiastic in their support, while others remain completely opposed to the move.

Thomas Ableman raise the concern that: "By creating a period of three and a half-hours with no mainstream news, the BBC will seriously reduce national awareness of world events."

Some younger viewers and those with children shared the view of Christopher Paton, in Scotland, who said: "Although we can get news 24/7 nowadays, I still like a nice wrap-up of the news where I can simply sit back and watch. And as a teenager, that time for me is 9 o' clock."

The BBC is there for its viewers, not the other way around

Matthew Parry

Chris Wigram agreed that a 10pm slot was too late, saying: "It is essential that there is a good news round-up at a time when we are able to involve our growing children in world politics and issues."

For some, changing the news slot raised further questions. Scot Steven Douglas asked: "If they move the news to 10pm then what rubbish are they going to show to fill the slot?"

Paul Jonas, thought it was "crazy" to even consider the move, saying: "The BBC has enough problems holding on to sports coverage and being competitive in a fast and shifting marketplace."

Matthew Parry, in Wales, said: "BBC programmes...shouldn't be treated as moveable feasts which can be shifted at the whim of Mr Dyke. The BBC is there for its viewers, not the other way around."

'Great idea'

But many others favoured the move.

Rob Reynolds, in Scotland, said: "I am sure that there are many people, like myself who miss 'News at Ten' on ITV. I would personally welcome this change to what will surely become: The '10 O'Clock News'."

"Great idea!" said Peter and Jane Kelly. "We will be able to finish our dinner in peace not having to rush it for the old nine o'clock spot!"

Simon Ward welcomed the change, saying it would help many viewers "who regarded 'News At Ten' as their last viewing of the day to return to a normal sleep pattern".

In the modern world of 24-hour news channels does it really matter what time the news is on?

Simon Bradshaw

Andrew Wardlaw agreed. He said: "I believe that the BBC is being forward-thinking in making this move. 10pm is still peak time and arguably more appropriate for watching the news."

Miles Hunter said: "This is not a matter for politicians. If market research shows that consumers want the news moved back to 10pm then this is a non-issue."

And Simon Bradshaw pointed out: "In the modern world of 24-hour news channels does it really matter what time the news is on the BBC or ITV?"

But some obviously had different priorities. One viewer wrote: "I have become attached to the reliable, distinctive sound of the Nine O'Clock News opening. If they move it, who's going to remind us when its time to go out to the pub?"