"As a public service broadcaster, our various programming has to continuously reflect the needs and wants of our audiences," acting COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng said in a statement.
"This decision was not taken lightly and we are cognisant of the fact that more work needs to be done, and this is but one step in that direction."
From April 1, the English news bulletin would start at 6.30pm and end at 7.30pm.
Motsoeneng said the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) went on a public drive in August 2012, and viewers felt the television news broadcasts were too short.
"We want the people to know that this is their SABC, and their opinion and input are highly valued and we will continue to engage them on various issues regarding the corporation," Motsoeneng said.
The programmes that play on SABC 3 at 6.30pm would be moved to SABC 1.
Meanwhile there is still confusion on Motsoeneng's position at the public broadcaster after he was released from his position.
The SABC announced on February 26 that Motsoeneng had been released as its acting chief operating officer, and would be replaced by radio news and current affairs head Mike Siluma. Motsoeneng would move back to his position as group editor of provinces.
Shortly after this, SABC chairperson Ben Ngubane was quoted in a newspaper report as saying Motsoeneng had been reinstated. He said his deputy Thami ka Plaatjie had made the decision.
On March 14, Communications Minister Dina Pule said Motsoeneng will remain in his position because his removal by the board was not done properly.
However, a majority of the public broadcaster's board members said on March 14 that the decision to remove him stands.
In the statement the majority of the board said: "The report … is regrettable as neither the chairman nor the deputy chairman nor both have the power or authority to unilaterally change a board resolution".
It said it would seek clarity from Ngubane and Ka Plaatjie on the newspaper report.
On Saturday, SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago could not comment on the matter.