'Mark Austin to replace Trevor McDonald' says Sunday Times

I guess the later programme is considered to be the flagship bulletin as a more discerning consumer of news is assumed to be watching at that time.

I would agree with the comments about Mark Austin appearing not to 'play nicely' with other presenters, which either makes him naturally suited to the single-presenter 10:30 news or was a cynical bit of positioning on his part. Either way I feel that this may have been a wasted opportunity and Mark will prove to be a drop-in replacement for Sir Trevor. (The hour-long lunchtime bulletin looks like being a far more interesting proposition).

Oh really !!!

Where did you go on record with that theory.

This place amazes me - it's full of people claiming: "Yeh I knew that" or "No surprise there then."

It was said quite a while ago that Mark was being trained (if that's the right word) to become the next Trevor.

I think a lot of people thought that. I wanted it to be Catherwood myself, but realistically it had to go to him, if it hadn't it would have been seen as a snub to their lead anchor (even though the 6.30 is more popular)

I've never stated it, but surely it's all said and done. Mark Austin is Trevor's main stand-in, and it was discussed a year ago that Mark would be the likely successor.

This place amazes me - it's full of people jumping on others over minor details.

STOP THE PRESS

Apparently the story has done the rounds at ITN this morning and the word is No decisions have been made. So the speculation continues.

Hmm. I deliberately kept "says Sunday Times" in the subject line as I had a sneaking feeling the story might not be all it was cracked up to be. Typical Sunday Times stuff.

http://www.thisisbournemouth.co.uk/dorset/images/1108213772-17.jpg
Mark Austin (left) pictured at Bill Bryson's farewell do at the Bournemouth Echo in 1979
Full story at this URL until tomorrow morning:
www.thisisbournemouth.co.uk/dorset/bournemouth/news/BOURN_NEWS_NEWS2.html

I notice Mark Austin is appearing less and less regularly on the Evening News.

A couple more days off a week and he'll soon be able to fill Trevor McDonalds shoes quite easily!