Emily Maitlis Named as Lead Presenter of Newsnight

Because I thought the BBC were looking for a range of faces, genders and people from a host of backgrounds to front their flagship shows to demonstrate diversity in the 21st Century.

How are 3 white females any more diverse than 3 white males?

I'd like to have seen Amol Rajan or even Christian Fraser given a try. Both extremely capable and rising stars of the corporation.

Thank You, worded it in a way I could never have

So you're convinced of box ticking but also disappointed not enough boxes were ticked.

I think people are overthinking this. Emily Maitlis and Kirsty Wark are both well established on the Newsnight team.

A vacancy arose. Emma Barnett was judged to be the best person for that job. If she hadn't got it on the grounds of being female there would rightly be an outcry (or tribuneral). She also does bring some diversity to the programme in being its youngest presenter in recent memory.

No, I said a 'tick box marketing excercise' referring to the press release not the appointments!

Great piece on Emily here. Spot on I'd say.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/mar/22/emily-maitlis-newsnight-presenter-winning-quality-doesnt-take-herself-too-seriously?fbclid=IwAR007cL7S2YdvwatrA-UF4cDPcb-BdKz-hnqZJH6B5NJxtyCpQvW3mk-rhQ

I’ve been a fan of Emily since she moved across to Network from BBC London, so am delighted at the appointment.

She’s not perfect, not by a long way, but that’s a little bit why I like her. And to be fair, it’s exciting that she’s just going to get better and better.

I think Maitlis in 10 or 20 years time - with the experience at the top that gives her - will be something to behold.

I think she’s certainly found her level. Was never a fan when she was on News 24 as she just didn’t seem right for it but I couldn’t figure out why. As she’s moved into roles that are more than just reading an autocue, she has really become brilliant.

This pretty much seems to be the Rota now anyway with Emily and Kirsty doing 2 nights a week each and Mark Urban or Katie Razzall doing Friday. Glad to see its been confirmed. Emily and Kirsty are fab and I'm sure Emma Barnett will be a welcome addition to the team.

What? Emily and Jon Sopel were the magic pairing! She was totally suited to the news channel back then. They were what Simon McCoy is today. Incredible at breaking, serious news. Amazing at the lighter side, with comedy, jokes and laughter.

Emily seems to be able to throw her talents at whatever she's dealt.

And the occasion when she ended up holding the fort on an Election Night show from an OB because of a power cut at Millbank was impressive too.

I see where you're coming from with the Simon McCoy comparison. In fact somebody should start a campaign to get Storyfix recommissioned with McCoy hosting it

Ahhhh StoryFix! A TVF favourite at the time! Though unbelievable it started over 13 years ago now *shrieks*.

Here's an early Emily edition:
WARNING: Contains scenes of Jimmy Savile. Also has Chris Hollins looking a bit pervy.