History of Channel 4 News in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 16, 2025

Channel 4 News is the flagship news program of Channel 4, a British television broadcaster. Produced by ITN, it has been broadcasting since Channel 4's inception in November 1982, providing news coverage and analysis to viewers in the United Kingdom.

November 1982: Channel 4 News Launch

In November 1982, Channel 4 News began broadcasting with the launch of Channel 4, aiming to offer a distinct news perspective compared to other UK television channels.

1982: Channel 4 News Launch

In 1982, Channel 4 News was launched with the aim of providing a different news format compared to what was available on other UK TV channels. The channel wanted "no sport, no royal stories, no plane crashes and lashing of foreign news."

1984: UK Miners' Strike Coverage

In 1984, Channel 4 News found its footing and gained recognition during the UK miners' strike.

1985: Broadcasting Press Guild Award

In 1985, Channel 4 News won its first award from the Broadcasting Press Guild for the Best News or Current Affairs Programme of 1984.

1986: BAFTA Award

In 1986, Channel 4 News won a BAFTA for the Best News or Outside Broadcast which was awarded in 1987.

1987: First BAFTA Award

In 1987, Channel 4 News won its first BAFTA award for the Best News or Outside Broadcast of 1986.

2003: Dodgy Dossier Story

In 2003, Channel 4 News broke the story of the Dodgy Dossier, which led to a political crisis in Britain.

2003: Introduction of Channel Four News at Noon

In 2003, Channel Four News at Noon was introduced for the duration of the Iraq War. Due to its success, it was kept on Channel 4's daytime schedule.

2004: Awards in 2004

In 2004, Channel 4 News won the News Coverage British Academy Television Award and the International Emmy for the best news programme produced and aired outside the United States.

2005: Richard Dimbleby British Academy Television Award

In 2005, Jon Snow won the Richard Dimbleby British Academy Television Award for his outstanding contribution to news and current affairs.

2006: Record Royal Television Society Awards

In 2006, Channel 4 News won a record five Royal Television Society Television awards, including TV Journalist of the Year for Jon Snow, the Home News Award, and the International News Award.

December 2009: Cancellation of Channel Four News at Noon

On 18 December 2009, Channel Four News at Noon was cancelled due to the advertising slowdown during the recession, along with More4 News, and was replaced with the five-minute Channel 4 News Summary.

December 2009: More4 News Cancellation

On 18 December 2009, More4 News was cancelled due to the advertising slowdown during the 2009 recession, along with the Channel Four News at Noon.

December 2009: Channel 4 News Summary Aired

On 21 December 2009, a replacement for the Channel 4 News at Noon in the 12.00 pm slot first aired, giving a five-minute summary of the news.

November 2011: Liam Dutton Joins Channel 4

In November 2011, Liam Dutton joined Channel 4 News from BBC Weather as their first ever weather presenter.

2017: Misidentification of Westminster Attacker

On the evening of the 2017 Westminster attack, Channel 4 News incorrectly identified the attacker as Abu Izzadeen. They retracted the claim on air after Izzadeen's solicitor confirmed he was alive and imprisoned.