Story perspectives

Itv Cuts Soaps to Five Hours Amid Job Losses

2/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Starting January 2026, ITV will trim its beloved soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, from six hours to five each week. The new "soap power hour" format will feature 30-minute episodes, a move designed to adapt to streaming trends. This shift comes amid budget cuts and a cast exodus, threatening around 75 jobs.

History

Historical Context

ITV's decision to reduce the weekly airtime of its popular soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, reflects a broader trend in the television industry, where traditional formats struggle against streaming services. This mirrors the 2000s shift when networks adapted to reality TV's rise. The current cuts, threatening 75 jobs, echo past industry layoffs during economic downturns, highlighting ongoing challenges in adapting to changing viewer habits.

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Story summary

Starting January 2026, ITV will trim its beloved soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, from six hours to five each week. The new "soap power hour" format will feature 30-minute episodes, a move designed to adapt to streaming trends. This shift comes amid budget cuts and a cast exodus, threatening around 75 jobs.

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