BBC One to raise current affairs profile

The BBC have announced plans to introduce a £3 million package to raise the profile of current affairs programming on BBC One.

The changes will see long-time favourite Panorama produce more mid-week specials in addition to its current Sunday evening slot. Speaking about the show, which consistently draws 3 million viewers, director of BBC television Jane Bennett explained: "Our decision, after long consideration, to leave it in its regular Sunday night slot is designed to secure its award-winning, hard-hitting journalism and to support the programme makers in pursuing the agenda they believe in.

"The increase in midweek peak time specials will also give an opportunity to create additional impact and to promote the sense of an agenda-setting event in the midweek schedule."

The initiative will also see Real Story, presented by Fiona Bruce, become a single issue show and enjoy an increase to 32 editions.

Current shows such as Watchdog, Question Time and This Week will also retain their positions in the current affairs line-up, while peak time coverage will be increased by 28%.