Discussion: Robert Peston and the BBC/ ITV

Given that this affects both ITV News and BBC programmes, I felt it was worth giving this a new thread.

According to newspaper reports from the Guardian and Times yesterday, the BBC is proposing new roles for Robert Peston in a bid to stop him defecting to ITV News. This apparently includes presenting 50 editions of Newsnight a year (Laura Kuenssberg's previous slots), and possibly "his own show" (says the Mail) and a pay rise (disputed by the Mail).

Robert Peston isn't a good choice for Newsnight when Evan Davis is still the main presenter, I don't think. Robert has a slow, rambling-question style of his own, similar to Evan, which can make the programme unwatchable at times. Wark and Maitlis don't suffer this, and I would be really disappointed if James O'Brien wasn't given more regular slots, and a bit surprised Allegra Stratton hasn't been offered a few either.

But the bit I just don't get is the notion Robert Peston could be offered Question Time as David Dimbleby's contract apparently ends soon. Kirsty Wark, Eddie Mair, Emily Maitlis, Nick Robinson, Andrew Neil, Jo Coburn or a number of other presenters would all be great in the role (though David Dimbleby is still the ideal person, IMO) because, like Dimbleby, they are able to be sharp and focussed, but also not dominate the discussion or 'make it about them'. I think there's something too distracting (and slow) about Robert's style, and he isn't nearly as quick/sharp at responding to guests or panels. I just don't understand why anyone would like Robert and Question Time.


Which leads me to my question: how important is it that the BBC keeps Robert Peston? I haven't seen anywhere a suggestion he would continue as economics editor, so there's a chance the BBC would need to recruit another high-profile (and highly-salaried) editor. But I wonder if this is one of those times where the BBC doesn't think enough like a commercial broadcaster - weighing up the value someone brings, vs. the increased expense needed to keep them. Robert is undoubtedly a talented broadcaster, and I suspect would be well suited to being political editor, but I'm not sure outside of an editor role he's worth 'throwing everything you've got' to keep him. Thoughts?

Tl;dr: I dislike Robert Peston.

I think he'd be more than competent at any of those potential roles. He has a style, but so do others. And he's a known face.

For me, it's anyone but Mair.

I think most presenters would be "competent" - but that includes Evan Davis at Newsnight. Doesn't mean the programme is nearly as strong with them, or that it's as easily watchable or accessible.

Whereas I would suggest Robert Peston as business editor, at least, brought contacts and insight to the role that a relatively small number of other people could have.

Any ideas who could replace Peston as economics editor if he does vacate that role? Anne McElvoy is the only name that springs to mind, but I'm sure there are other obvious candidates?

At a time when the BBC is coming under scruitiny and cutting costs I find it slightly surprising the BBC is apparently offering more to try and keep him. Of course being cynical it's possible that the BBC offer could be a hoax designed to get ITV to increase their offer to him.

I think he's great. His explainers are first class, informative without being patronising.

The factual programmes he's presented on the financial crash, supermarkets, and most recently This World about the French economy have all made for excellent, informative viewing. His style might not be appealing to some, but at least he's not patronising.


I don't think I've ever seen him host a panel debate or audience debate so can't comment on this. What programmes are you referring to?

Peston really is the marquee reporter of his generation, I can see why ITV News might want him, and also that the BBC want to retain. He's not unwilling to go into 'informed speculation' territory. His scoop that Lloyds were to take over HBOS at the peak of the 2008 crisis was stunning, beating the LSE announcement to air.
His avant-garde presentation style can irritate but when it comes to substance he rarely puts a foot or word wrong. I just wonder whether following the death of his wife a few years ago whether the more formal structure of ITV News and indeed the 'time off' that a position there would attract could be the deal maker.
Whatever the outcome it will be an important signpost in PSB news going forward.

Surely moving Hugh Pym from Health Editor to Economics Editor would be the best move (if he wants it of course)? I'd have thought that would be a natural fit for him with his background and being Stephanie Flanders deputy previously.

That would of course leave the Health Editor vacancy open for someone like Fergus Walsh?

Radio 4's PM programme getting up to mischief ...

Here's what Huw Edwards, Jonathan Dimbleby and Nicholas Parsons are offering @peston to keep him in the BBC: http://t.co/MpGTVQzk0O

— BBCPM (@BBCPM) October 2, 2015

Very good. Huw made me chuckle the most!

I don't think he will be any better than Davis, surprised Sky did not make an offer.

Fair play to Peston he has secured some cracking scoops for the BBC, but I have little time for presenters that play contract negotiations out in public through off the record briefings.

No presenter is bigger than the BBC and if Peston wants to take an offer from the ITV then so be it. It's not as if the door would be closed for a return, as per Nick Robinson and Laura Kuenssberg.

That's some rather strong dislike from Huw there!