Watchdog allows cut in TV output

Channel Television could be allowed to cut its local output.

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom made the proposals in its report on the future of Public Service Broadcasting (PSB).

Ofcom said the digital switchover and decline in advertising had made it harder for ITV's commercial companies to maintain their commitments.

It is proposed to reduce Channel's news and non-news quota to four hours per week although the station will be free to transmit more.

"Our current obligation is four-and-a-half hours but we've broadcast over five-and-a-half hours for many years and there are no plans to change our service," said Channel's Karen Rankine.

Ofcom's research suggested the benefits and costs of holding the PSB licence for the Channel Islands appeared "broadly equal".

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