[Chud]

I imagine that with the BBC may decide it's better for those 5 to return to roles on screen, rather than continue to pay freelancers.

After all in the next year BBC News are likely to have additional costs this year as it is, in the form of UK and USA elections. This combined with a lower than hoped for licence fee increase makes it daft paying for staff who presumably have 'on screen salaries', but aren't appearing on TV due to a dispute. In addition one of the five presenters originally appointed has since left.

Also, on the national news front the past year has sadly seen the death of George Alagiah. Additionally, it seems unlikely that Huw Edwards will return to presenting BBC News. Cost savings aside, this presumably means that one additional permanent presenter is required, though they may end up being based in Salford.

It wouldn't entirely surprise me if BBC News announce a 'UK politics today' type programme to cover the election campaigning/build-up, featuring one of these presenters. Similarly, a dedicated programme for a round-up of the US elections featuring one of them. I could imagine using them for dedicated programing rather than rolling news as a way for the BBC to save face.

There’s definitely space in the schedule for them, hopefully we will get some regular presenting shifts now.