BBC World is planning to launch a second edition of World News Today targeting peak time viewers in Europe.

The second edition, to be presented by Nik Gowing, will complement the first edition of the programme aimed at breakfast time viewers in the United States.

Both shows are part of a plan to develop regular, branded news programmes delivering news tailored for breakfast and evening audiences in specific time zones. The commercially-supported channel is not available in the UK other than in selected hotels.

"World News Today will be compulsory viewing for anyone who wants to keep on top of global news and current affairs," said BBC World news editor Jeremy Hillman. "The new fast-moving format will retain the depth of analysis and impartiality of coverage, for which BBC World is known throughout the world. Nik Gowing has achieved tremendous success as both a foreign correspondent and as the main presenter for BBC World for more than 10 years. His journalistic integrity and his ability to uncover the news behind the headlines will be crucial for the success of World News Today."

The new programme will air regularly at 22:00 CET beginning today (Monday).