BBC News: Presenters & Rotas

Yes I noticed that. I think Rico has got a cold. His voice was noticably different the other day on Newsday. Wasn't on the linkup with Singapore during WBR later on so assumed he took some time off to get better. Mariko has confirmed this.

Filling in for @RicoHizon on Asia Business Report & Newsday @BBCWorld this morning. Get well soon! リコに代わって急遽キャスター業の朝。新スタジオで立ちっぱなしの4時間、がむばります

— Mariko Oi 大井真理子 (@BBCMarikoOi) November 5, 2015

I also noticed Rico has so many followers on Twitter. He's got 170k.

A rare appearance by Geeta, outside of her usual morning slot, presenting WN right now. Fridays now have regular WN bulletins from 16.00 until 20.00 cet.

Forgive me if this has already been mentioned, but George Alagiah returns to the BBC News at Six O'Clock on Tuesday

That's good to hear. I hope he is well.

He seems to be http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3308613/And-finally-m-clear-cancer-ll-never-announces-BBC-George-gruelling-18-month-battle-news-presenter-prepares-triumphant-return-screens.html

You know, I'm constantly amazed how BBC staff give that vile rag exclusive interviews.

Given pretty much every story printed about the BBC is relentlessly negative, if I was staffer (which I'm not) the Daily Heil would be the last paper I would grant even 2.09 seconds of my time talking to - no matter how much of the higher fee over other papers, would be donated to charities of my choice.

That said, great that George is back on the 6 from this week, and his recovery from such a horrible disease, will prove an insperation to those sufferers currently battling and receiving treatment.

Amazing news!

Because, despite DMGT/Associated Newspapers being anti-BBC on commercial grounds, the readership of the Mail is exactly the type of person who watches and listens to the BBC the most. If George wants his story being made public its obvious he'd give it to the publication that is read by people who likely watch his news bulletins and have an interest in him (never mind the Mail being one of the biggest news sites able to give it the widest audience overall)

It's an odd combination, bash the BBC editorially, but the Fail also attracts the same type of audience as the main BBC One bulletins.

Has a return to GMT been announced?

Speaking of Geeta/David long morning shift, Yalda Hakim is doing the final hour of it right now. Geeta was on as usual for the first 3 hours. I wonder if this is something permanent.

The reason for this is because Geeta had to move to Studio B to present GMT.