The deal will see the news programme returned to its former 10pm slot from Monday to Thursday. However, ITV will be able to move it for one day a week to accommodate long-format programmes such as films and drama serials.
Friday news programming will mirror the ITV weekend schedule and run at a later slot. The regulator has stipulated that even the later showings must be on air by 11.15pm.
ITV鈥檚 decision comes as a blow to the BBC, which recently announced its intention to move its long-standing evening news programme The Nine O鈥機lock News to 10pm.
The corporation is now being urged by Chris Smith, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, to reconsider its plans. The minister, who was being interviewed on the BBC鈥檚 cable news service News 24, said he welcomed ITV鈥檚 decision but would prefer the news to appear at that time for five days a week rather than four.