Lord Elis-Thomas told AMs: "I have no recollection of hearing in-depth news" on Welsh language bulletins. He was reacting to news that S4C's nightly news programme, Newyddion 9,
would be reduced from 30 minutes to 10 minutes on Friday next year.
But he said it was not appropriate to voice an editorial opinion and that S4C is regulated by OFCOM.
Under the schedule changes, Newyddion 9, which is made for S4C by BBC Wales, will also move from its current 9pm to 7:30pm but remain at 30 minutes from Monday to Thursday.
"What is important for me is that news is presented interestingly and I am a big fan of Channel 4 News," Lord Elis-Thomas said.
Plaid Cymru culture spokeswoman Delyth Jewell asked him to withdraw the "belittling and untrue" comments.
"Journalists need support from their culture minister not public undermining," she said.
Newyddion had a high-profile launch when it originally moved from 7:30pm to the 9pm slot in 2013, but S4C has faced a huge growth in demand for TV dramas during peak-time viewing.
But he said it was not appropriate to voice an editorial opinion and that S4C is regulated by OFCOM.
Under the schedule changes, Newyddion 9, which is made for S4C by BBC Wales, will also move from its current 9pm to 7:30pm but remain at 30 minutes from Monday to Thursday.
"What is important for me is that news is presented interestingly and I am a big fan of Channel 4 News," Lord Elis-Thomas said.
Plaid Cymru culture spokeswoman Delyth Jewell asked him to withdraw the "belittling and untrue" comments.
"Journalists need support from their culture minister not public undermining," she said.
Newyddion had a high-profile launch when it originally moved from 7:30pm to the 9pm slot in 2013, but S4C has faced a huge growth in demand for TV dramas during peak-time viewing.
