BBC News Channel To Bench Seasoned Presenters From Next Week As Output Is Relaunched
28.03.2023 - 12:45
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: BBC News will make sweeping changes to its news channel presenting line-up from next week, with a number of seasoned anchors dropping off air.
The British broadcaster is merging its UK and World News stations into a single channel, with changes gradually being introduced from April 3.
Audiences are unlikely to notice a “big bang” overhaul, but one of the most notable differences will be the channel’s presenter lineup.
Newsroom sources also expect BBC management to rethink plans to reduce UK news amid fears that the merger could dilute domestic output and damage viewing figures. The BBC said the channel always planned to carry UK news for local viewers.
From next week, five journalists will take up Chief Presenter roles, including Matthew Amroliwala, Yalda Hakim, Christian Fraser, Lucy Hockings, and Maryam Moshiri.
A further 10 UK-based presenters were unsuccessful in applying for these roles, and Deadline hears that many have dropped off BBC News’ hosting rota, meaning they have no shifts in April.
Those who did not land a Chief Presenter role include Ben Brown, Martine Croxall, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Shaun Ley, and Annita McVeigh.
A number of presenters are considering their future at the BBC, while others are in talks over Correspondent roles, which will include studio presenting duties.
Naja Nielsen, Digital Director at BBC News, said the Chief Presenters will occupy new timeslots, though sources said that only Hockings will have her own branded show from launch, with others expected to follow. Hockings will be on air between 12-3PM following internal piloting.
BBC insiders said managers want to lower the threshold for when the channel splits into two feeds, meaning that UK viewers will be served with a