BBC News announces new presenter line up
The
BBC today, Wednesday 4 September, announced an exciting new line
up of presenters across all BBC ONE news bulletins.
The
award-winning team of talented and experienced broadcasters will
present the Ten O'Clock, Six O'Clock, One O'Clock and Breakfast
news bulletins from the New Year.
Huw
Edwards will anchor the flagship Ten O'Clock news from Monday
to Thursdays, with Fiona Bruce as second presenter.
Joined
by the BBC's team of specialist correspondents, Huw and Fiona will
spearhead the distinctive, in-depth and quality journalism viewers
expect from the Ten O Clock news.
There
will be no change to the programme's style and content.
In
a change in format, the Six O'Clock news will now be co-presented,
by George Alagiah and Sophie Raworth.
The
two presenters will play an integral part in the journalism of the
Six, to enhance an already strong programme.
Meanwhile,
Dermot Murnaghan and Natasha Kaplinsky will take their
seats on the sofa to introduce the mornings on Breakfast.
Sian
Williams and Bill Turnbull will present the programme
on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The
One O'Clock news will continue to be presented by Anna Ford.
Darren Jordon will remain the second presenter.
The
new line up embodies the BBC's core values of trusted, impartial
and authoritative news.
Supported
by the Corporation's unrivalled newsgathering resource of specialist
correspondents and reporters around the world, the team will offer
viewers a serious news agenda delivered in a range of styles and
formats to suit our audiences.
Richard
Sambrook, Director BBC News, said: "I'm pleased to announce
such a strong team of highly talented newscasters.
"Though
they have a hard act to follow in succeeding Michael Buerk and Peter
Sissons, their impressive range of news and current affairs experience
is a credit to BBC News and will take forward our portfolio of news
programmes for the future."
Lorraine
Heggessey, Controller BBC ONE, said: "News is one of the most
crucial parts of BBC ONE and I'm delighted with our new line-up
of presenters.
"They
have the journalistic credibility to maintain the strength and popularity
of our excellent news programmes."
Quotes
from the presenters
Huw
Edwards said: "I've had three very satisfying years on the
Six O'Clock news and it's been a delight working with the Six team.
"I'm
very much looking forward to a different kind of challenge on the
Ten.
"It's
a huge privilege to follow in the footsteps of Peter Sissons and
Michael Buerk and I'll be doing my very best to maintain the high
standards they've set over the years."
Fiona
Bruce said: "I'm thrilled to be offered such a prestigious
job on the BBC's flagship news programme.
"And
at the same time it enables me to spend time with my family and
fulfil my other BBC ONE commitments. I couldn't be more pleased."
George
Alagiah said: "It's a rare privilege to be asked to anchor
what is the most watched news programme in Britain.
"The
Six O'Clock news marks the gateway to the evening's viewing on BBC
ONE - that is both an opportunity and a challenge.
"Sophie
and I are determined to find the right combination of authority
and accessibility that is so important at that time of day."
Sophie
Raworth said: "I'm absolutely thrilled and delighted to have
been asked to present the Six, it's an amazing opportunity.
"I'm
very sad to leave Breakfast but feel extremely lucky to be offered
this challenge and am looking forward to working with George Alagiah."
Dermot
Murnaghan: "I've had 11 marvellous years at ITN but the opportunity
to work for the BBC, presenting Breakfast news, is an irresistible
challenge.
"I'm
really looking forward to joining such a prestigious news organisation.
"And
the early mornings won't bother me - I have four children!
Natasha
Kaplinsky said: "Breakfast is a dream job. I'm really looking
forward to working with Dermot and the morning team.
"I
can hardly wait for the 3am alarm call!"
Notes
to Editors
Pictures
are available, for press use only, from the BBC Picture Publicity
digital picture service or by contacting the BBC Press Office.
Peter
Sissons leaves the BBC Ten O'Clock News (02.09.02)
Dermot
Murnaghan to present Breakfast on BBC ONE (16.07.02)
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