BBC axes huge show after nearly three decades as host breaks silence and says 'it's depressing news'

The have axed HARDtalk after almost three decades as host Stephen Sackur broke his silence on the depressing news.

HARDtalk being axed comes as part of a 130-person layoff decision in its news division. Earlier this year, Director General Tim Davie announced a wider 500-person layoff. After the news emerged, Stephen, who hosted the show since 2005, took to his personal /X to announce: "PERSONAL NEWS: Today News has announced plans to close after 3 decades holding the ’s politicians and powerbrokers to account.

"This is sad news for me personally, but much more important, I think it’s depressing news for the BBC and all who believe in the importance of independent, rigorous deeply-researched journalism. At a time when disinformation and media manipulation are poisoning public discourse HARDtalk is unique - a long-form interview show with only one mission.

"To hold to account those who all too often avoid accountability in their own countries. Anyone who has seen our interviews with Hugo Chavez, Sergei Lavrov, Meles Zenawi, Lula, Nancy Pelosi, Recep Tayep Erdogan, Emmanuel Macron, Imran Khan, Olusegan Abasanjo, & countless others over the years will know HARDtalk was never just another news show."

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He continued: "A brilliant team of producers and researchers is being disbanded just as BBC DG Tim Davie is trying to persuade the British Govt that the journalism of the BBC World Service is such a vital expression of democratic soft power that the taxpayer must fund it. Whatever the outcome of that, it seems it will be too late to save HARDtalk - for so long a pillar of the World Service schedule.

"As for me, from foreign correspondent to HARDtalk inquisitor, I’ve been enormously fortunate to pursue my journalism within the BBC. I know how much HARDtalk has been valued by viewers and listeners all over the world. It’s been my privilege to be a small part of their lives. Next year I’ll be looking to stretch my legs and embrace new opportunities. My commitment to rigorous exploration of world affairs won’t change. I hope the BBC’s doesn’t either."

HARDtalk will end in five months, with news boss Deborah Turness saying the cuts will "help meet the BBC’s savings and reinvestment challenge". HARDtalk first launched in 1997 and is hosted by Stephen Sackur. The BBC is also closing Asian Network News service as part of its £24m cost-cutting drive.

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