Good news, Natasha - only 60 seconds for you to concentrate - Showbiz

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The 'catch-up' bulletin would be shown on BBC1 at weeknights, acting as a rapid run-down on the day's events.

Critics said the corporation was guilty of appealing to the 'lowest common denominator' and ignoring its remit to provide a context for important stories.

The BBC previously came under fire when it revealed that the only bulletin on its satellite channel BBC3 would have a 60-second format.

Tory MP Philip Davies, a member of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said: "Somewhere along the line they have decided that the only way to appeal is to dumb everything down to the lowest common denominator and treat everybody as if they are thick.

"It is completely inappropriate for the BBC to be doing this kind of stuff."

A trial for the show will start in the Birmingham area today, with newscaster Natasha Kaplinsky who was derided for taking part in the reality show Strictly Come Dancing.

The BBC is experimenting with three formats for the service - a 60-second summary with national news, a longer 90-second offering with national, regional news and weather and a further minutelong service with national and regional news.

A spokesman for the BBC rejected the criticisms last night, adding: "It will maintain all of the BBC's high editorial and journalistic standards and provide an opportunity for viewers to catch up with the news at a time convenient for them."

BBC1 will continue to show the Ten O'Clock News.