News

ABC to launch new early evening news bulletin

ABC 5.30pm newsreader James McHale will broadcast out of Perth from February 4, 2013

ABC1 has joined its commercial rivals in introducing an early evening national news bulletin to preview its state-by-state 7pm editions.

The national broadcaster has chosen Perth to base the 5.30pm bulletin, which will be read by former corporate lawyer James McHale.

It represents an increased investment in the national broadcaster’s Western Australian operations.

The decision follows a trend by commercial networks to increase news content in the afternoons, with Nine recently launching the 3pm-4pm News Now program on top of its 4.30pm bulletin.

Seven also has a 4.30pm bulletin, while Ten was the pioneer of afternoon news with its one hour 5pm program.

 “We recognise the importance of news to our viewers,” ABC1 Controller Brendan Dahill said today. “This is a significant move, further updating the news after midday. Lifestyles are changing, and introducing a new early evening bulletin reflects that change.”

The program will be simulcast on the ABC’s 24  news channel.

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