BBC NEWSNIGHT PRESENTER INUNDATED WITH SUPPORT AND ANNOUNCES 'I'M LEAVING' IN SHOCK EXIT

Richard Watson has announced his decision to leave the broadcaster after 33 years on the channel and 25 years working on Newsnight. The presenter was inundated with messages of support after he shared that his decision was made when the BBC "ended investigative journalism" on the nightly show.

Taking to X today, he wrote: "Following the decision to end investigative journalism at @BBCNewsnight. I'm leaving the BBC today after 33 years - 25 on Newsnight itself.

"It's been wonderful to work with so many talented friends & a privilege to have been able to focus on public interest journalism. A [thread emoji]."

In the lengthy post, Richard detailed his many achievements working at the BBC including exposing organising criminals that targeted the UK in 2014 to the Westminster Bridge terror attack.

He signed off: "It has been a great run. Onwards! (As one of my Editors used to say!)"

Richard joined Newsnight in 1998 after working as a BBC reporter for The Money Programme, Panorama and on radio documentaries for the Radio 4 series File on 4.

He specialised in investigations; with several having won top awards.

Richard's loyal followers rushed to the comment section and offered their well wishes to the longstanding correspondent.

One person wrote: "A fantastic list of achievements. Will miss you. Hopefully, you will pop up somewhere else!"

Another said: "The investigations made old Newsnight what it was. We hope to see you elsewhere on screen Richard and send you all best wishes. Thank you and your colleagues for all your brilliant work. Terrific news/reportage TV."

Another said: "The investigations made old Newsnight what it was. We hope to see you elsewhere on screen Richard and send you all best wishes. Thank you and your colleagues for all your brilliant work. Terrific news/reportage TV."

A third wrote: "The late and great Paul Foot would have been very proud that you stuck it out for so long. Why do they always make cuts to the real important issues. Thank you for the service."

A fourth shared: "You will be missed, hope you continue with another news channel. Thanks for all you have done."

"Always a pleasure to watch you - good luck with the next adventure," another added.

Richard's departure comes after it was revealed Newsnight was facing a fight to stay on television screens after losing half of its viewers, 30 staff and having more than £7 million cut from its budget.

It was reported last year that the long-running show would lose its dedicated reporters, be shortened by 10 minutes and drop its investigative films to focus on studio-based debates.

At the time BBC News and Current Affairs CEO Deborah Turness said the broadcaster was "in a tough financial climate", and had to make "some difficult choices" as audiences switch from TV to online news.

In a follow-up post, Richard tweeted: My last day today @BBCNewsnight after 33 years at the BBC. Lots to celebrate tonight, but may be I'm most proud to see my daughter @ninakwatson making her way as a young freelance journalist covering world affairs."

2024-06-28T20:50:53Z dg43tfdfdgfd