The Newsroom

Sian Williams moves to Channel 5

BBC anchor becomes latest leaving the Corporation (November 2015)

This site closed in March 2021 and is now a read-only archive
DV
DVB Cornwall
Veteran BBC presenter Sian Williams is to be the new face of Channel 5’s flagship evening news programme.

Williams, who has worked at the BBC for almost three decades, takes over from Emma Crosby.

The departure of Williams is the latest high profile BBC defection following economics editor Robert Peston’s decision last month to move to ITV to become political editor and host a new Sunday morning talkshow.

Williams, who co-presented the BBC1 breakfast programme for a decade but opted not to make the move to Salford, has presented all the main BBC1 news bulletins.


continued here ….. ……..

MEDIA on THEGUARDIAN.COM
05-Nov-2015 @ 15:05
VM
VMPhil
Quote:
“5 News’ output, both domestic and international, is consistently high quality and accessible,” said Williams. “With Channel 5 pledging to boost its coverage even further, it’s a terrific opportunity and an exciting challenge to join this talented and impressive team.”

Williams will front the daily 5pm news programme while Matt Barbet will continue to present 5 News Tonight at 6.30pm and The Saturday Show which runs from 9.30am to 11.30am.

“Sian is one of the UK’s most widely respected news presenters who will add to the wealth of experience, knowledge and insight within the 5 News team,” said Michelle Chappell, commissioning editor of factual, news and current affairs at 5 News.

“Sian’s ability to deliver the biggest stories of the day with charisma and warmth has made her one of the best known and most versatile broadcasters on British television.”

Her extensive broadcasting credits include presenting Radio 4’s Saturday Live, BBC1’s Sunday Morning Live, and hosting Crimewatch, Good Night Britain and National Treasures Live.

Williams will become the fourth high-profile female face of 5 News, after original incumbent Kirsty Young – who pioneered the art of “desk perching” – and her successor Natasha Kaplinsky, who joined Channel 5 in 2008 and left at the end of 2010, and Crosby.

“I’m really excited about welcoming Sian to the 5 News team,” said Cristina Nicolotti Squires, the editor of 5 News. “Her deep connection with the audience plus her rich background in broadcasting make her the perfect person to bring the news to life for our viewers.”

Former GMTV presenter Crosby, who made her name on Sky News, will leave 5 News this month.


http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/05/sian-williams-bbc-channel-5-news
LL
London Lite Founding member
I'm guessing Sian will finish her run of Sunday Morning Live which finishes in December and then move to C5 in January.
CH
chris
Such a shame that Sian is leaving the BBC. You have to wonder how long she will remain at 5 though - past precedence suggests after a couple of years, another relaunch comes and they poach someone else.
DK
DanielK
Maybe a lot sooner than January...



LL
London Lite Founding member
I can't see Sian starting just before Christmas. I suspect Matt will cover both the 5 and 6.30 until Christmas, then relaunch in Jan with Sian.
DV
DVB Cornwall
..... as for MG's description as 'Veteran' I'd expected better from them.
LL
London Lite Founding member
C5 have confirmed that Sian starts in the New Year.

https://www.facebook.com/C5News/photos/a.567453523279130.1073741828.567036616654154/1047123811978763/?type=3&fref=nf&pnref=story
HB
HarryB


LL
London Lite Founding member
"Big ambitions"

I hope so as 5 News is dull currently.
BR
Brekkie
I can't imagine Sian Williams has ever watched C5 News. Hardly the big blow to the corporation the article in the opening post makes out though, and not sure another ex-BBC face is the right move for 5 News either - Sian makes Natasha Kaplinsky look edgy.
Last edited by Brekkie on 5 November 2015 6:04pm
RD
RDJ
Lets hope C5 will let Sian pay a visit to Salford to join Bill in March on his last Breakfast.
London Lite and newswatcher101 gave kudos

Newer posts