Current BBC News podcasts chief Jonathan Aspinwall has been unveiled as the new executive editor of Newsnight.
Aspinwell will lead Newsnight as it evolves from its current format into a “debate, discussion and interview-based programme” following last November’s BBC review of its news provision which also saw the News at One relocate to Salford.
Newsnight will also be shortened to 30 minute under the plans, with more than half of its 60-strong team expected to leave the trimmed down show. Among the departures, Kirsty Wark is due to step down after the next general election. The BBC said that the savings will be reinvested in a BBC News Investigations Unit that will serve all of the corporation’s news output.
Aspinwall said: “I’m delighted to be joining the brilliant and talented Newsnight team ahead of the UK and US Elections. We’ll be building on Newsnight’s formidable reputation for the biggest interviews and sharp analysis. I can’t wait to get started.”
John McAndrew, director of news programmes, added: “Jonathan’s sharp news sense, creativity and experience of developing new formats make him the perfect person to oversee Newsnight as it enters a new phase. He will ensure that it remains the destination for intelligent debate, analysis and forensic interviews.
“I would also like to thank Rosie Seed and Becky Emmett who have led the Newsnight team throughout the interim period, maintaining the programme’s high editorial standards and leading the way on some of the biggest stories of the year.”
Aspinwall currently runs BBC News Podcasts including Newscast and Newscast TV, Americast, Ukrainecast, The Global Story and The Shamima Begum Story series. He joined the BBC in 1997 and has held senior editorial roles across TV, radio and digital including as deputy editor of BBC Breakfast, senior news editor at World TV and editor of 5 Live’s late night output. He has also edited Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
