BBC Breakfast

So Naga is doing Strictly. That'll mess up the rota!

When normal Breakfast returns next week, it looks like they've given everyone the same week off and have an 'D list' line up.

Tuesday/Wednesday: Sally Nugent and Christian Fraser

Thursday: Stephanie McGovern and Christian Fraser

I wonder if there's a significant budget saving for Breakfast to use fill-in presenters who are already BBC staffers who work quite broadly or flexibly - like Christian Fraser - where once upon a time a more senior presenter may have been used but as a freelancer? Pre-Salford, the likes of Kate Silverton were frequently used - higher profile, but if she was paid-per-broadcast (which I think she has said previously is/was the arrangement), surely that can't be cheaper than using a capable correspondent like Christian Fraser who fills in here there and everywhere these days?

That's interesting. Good to see Christian being used more, lots of potential there.

Who's doing Monday and Friday?

Louise and Naga / Naga and Jon Kay, fairly normal so I didn't mention those.

I wouldn't call any of those 'D List', it just seems that they are using the usual people from quite a large pool of available presenters after a period of quite restricted summer leave owing to sporting events.



I'm not sure whether it's reasonable for a presentation site (or indeed any other) to start speculating what or how people are paid.

I don't think I'd want someone doing it about my income.

The stand-in jobs are advertised internally I believe, alas why the likes of Ben Thompson and Victoria Fritz have done cover pres shifts on Sunday's and are in addition to their contracted day job. (Incidentally, the Breakfast cover this week for her is part of her contract with BBC Business).

I wouldn't class people as a proper part of the well known breakfast team unless they appear Monday to Saturday.

Most of the Sunday presenters aren't seen by most as the show airs before people get up, or half on the news channel only, hence its notable when one of these Sunday presenters do Saturday and even more so Mon to Fri.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought BBC Breakfast got a very high percentage of viewers on Saturdays and Sundays for their time slot.

Looking back at Feb/Mar (before brexit etc), the BBC News Channel 8am hour of Breakfast on a Sunday seems to get on average about 600K. Obviously it will be a high share as there isn't that much competition for adult viewers at that time.

Think 'advertised internally' may be a little strong. Suspect more a case that usual suspects are emailed.

I think you're right on them using a pool of presenters for Sunday, which appear to be :-

Christian Fraser (BBC News, BH)
Sian Lloyd (BBC Wales)
Victoria Fritz (BBC Business, BH)
Ben Thompson (BBC Business, BH)
Steph McGovern (BBC Business, based in Salford)
Sally Nugent (BBC Sport, based in Salford)
Roger Johnson (BBC North West, based in Salford)

This gives producers a choice of locally based presenters, or relief from London, except for Sian who works in Cardiff.