[Kojak]

I assume there’s an Ofcom reason why it has to be separate.

I don’t think all this phone-in cheapo TV is an attempt to cut-back on news. C5 seems to struggle to fill some of its early evening schedule  if anything. Finding something for 1730-1800 would just create another headache, plus the 5pm does OK for them and has been grown its share marginally according to Dan Walker’s recent tweets.

Wasn't there that programme they used to show at 5.30? Some soap from Australia - wasn't it called Neighbours? Anyway, I hear it's coming back.

In all seriousness, I am not convinced the hour-long bulletin is going anywhere fast. I believe the reason 5pm was extended in the first place was as a concession to Ofcom for removing the 6.30 news (which nobody watched anyway). I can't see Ofcom looking too kindly on C5, were they to shirk these commitments so soon.