Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark quits after 30 years following next election

19 October 2023 , 16:20

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Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark quits after 30 years following next election

Kirsty Wark will step down as lead presenter of Newsnight after the next election, the BBC has announced.

She will continue to present for the BBC on programmes including The Reunion, Start the Week on Radio 4, as well as documentaries. On her departure, Kirsty Wark said: "Today I am celebrating 30 years presenting Newsnight.

"It is an enormous privilege to be involved in such a rigorous, creative programme with a wonderful, talented, bunch of colleagues – actually many bunches over the years, led, most recently by Esme Wren followed by Stewart Maclean. There’s not a day when I don’t look forward to coming to the office, and every day I learn something from the team about all manner of things, from aspects of American foreign policy to how to make a great mojito.

"Last year I spoke to both to the Director General Tim Davie and to Stewart and signalled my desire to end my three decade run on the show after the next election, and that’s the plan. When the time comes it will be a massive wrench."

Kirsty has confirmed she will not be leaving the BBC (BBC)

"However, I’ll be leaving Newsnight but not the BBC. I’ll still be presenting The Reunion and Start the Week on Radio 4, TV documentaries too as well as finishing, finally, my third novel. There are exciting times ahead," she added.

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BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “Generations of Newsnight viewers have benefitted from Kirsty’s authority, her razor-sharp insight and her journalistic flair. She sets the standard for engaging yet authoritative presenting. I speak on behalf of the whole BBC when I thank her for the past 30 years.

“I’m delighted the BBC is not losing Kirsty altogether when she steps back from Newsnight and look forward to seeing and hearing her beyond the busy political year ahead.”

Joining in 1993, Kirsty is Newsnight's longest-serving presenter. During her time on the BBC show, she has covered eight Prime Ministers and interviewed many prominent politicians and cultural figures, including the final interview with the playwright Harold Pinter.

Kirsty presented from Scotland after the 1996 Dunblane massacre and conducted the only interview with Lord Macpherson following his inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. She also reported from America where she interviewed victims of Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro.

Charlotte McIntyre