He rejoined ITN in June 1976, initially for a brief stint back on "News at Ten", but in September 1976 he became the main presenter for the newly relaunched early evening bulletin "News at 5:45". He returned to "News at Ten" in March 1978. Four years later, Burnet became an associate editor for the programme and joined the ITN board of directors. He continued to present coverage of political events including the 1979, 1983 and 1987 General Elections, by-elections, budgets and American presidential elections.