ITV News

I feel News at Ten would get higher ratings if it was generic ITV News style. Many people don't like the over-the-top introduction, e.g. the studio sweep after the headlines.

Bill Neely would be the perfect co-host for Julie Etchingham. I could see Mark trying to own the bulletin, with the male anchor usually taking the lead. It would be best for Mark to quit when Trevor retires, to shove it in ITN's face because they sidelined him.

Have you any evidence for this statement?

I'm not sure on what basis you've made that claim. I firmly believe the ITV bulletin to be of a better quality than the Beeb's, as do many others on here, so of course it has a chance.

I think some of the journalism on ITN is exceptional although the presentation, presenters and resources, quality of reporters, ie. Daisy McAndrew not as good compared to Nick Robinson makes more people tune to the BBC, as it is the same source for Radio 5Live, 4 listeners, etc.

I agree that NaT is a good, quality bulletin, and deserves to succeed. I think it's something that'll take time though. Hopefully as more and more people discover its high standard of reporting they'll be more tempted to return. It's no surprise that initial viewing figures weren't outstanding, but apparently they are now on the rise.

Ratings - even after Britain's Got Talent 3.4 million for NAT

4 million for BBC

I prefer Bill to Mark, who's slipped into some 'trade-mark' mannerisms that are becoming a little over exagerated for my liking. e.g. the forceful "Right..." to announce the start of new story, and there's a tendancy to slouch over the desk that gives him the air of a matey teacher rather than a national newscaster.

meanwhile, News at Ten-wise...
i'm a die hard fan of NaT, despite currently thinking :

The titles feel like they're in two parts, cutting at the zoom into the clockface. Everthing after that looks and feels different... better actually, the stings are quite cool. I'd prefer a sharper, punchier mix of the music with more of the white clockface on the deep blue.

They should ditch the powerpoint screen... are we supposed to believe that there isn't anyone else off screen who can control the graphics. She's not a teacher, it's not a classroom!

The tabloid tone of the journalism, more Guardian and less Mirror.

Oh! for goodness sake... I've just realised... i should be watching Channel 4 News!
[B]

Whilst NAT looks very good on screen, and it's difficult to fault the quality of journalism from ITN, there is nowhere else to go after the programme for more indepth reports. BBC News have the advantage that Newsnight follows on BBC Two shortly afterwards if you are looking for follow-up reports on an interesting story. It's far easier to stick with the BBC's coverage from 10 o'clock onwards rather than swap at 10:30.

Good time to mention that Channel 4 News use the same touch screen procedure?

...and the same screen! Although I don't think Channel 4 news use it much at all now, what with it looking pants etc.

Only on News at Noon though isn't it? I don't like it either though.

I still think Mark is the best presenter definately....followed by Steve Scott. Bill Neely and James Mates are both good. Geraint is awful. They should keep Bill as a foreign correspondent/relief presenter though I think.

I like the intro, it's much better than the 630 intro. So sophisticated. Programme will get more ratings as time goes on, hope they don't change anything.