TOUGH-QUESTIONING JOURNALIST Jeremy Paxman is to step down as the presenter of BBC news programme Newsnight after 25 years.
The BBC said this evening that he had informed bosses at the station of his decision last summer but had agreed to stay on for some more time as the programme dealt with a number of changes, including the appointment of a new editor.
Paxman will present his last Newsnight in June. He will continue to present University Challenge.
Paxman had become well-known for his direct and informal style of presenting on the late-night programme, relentlessly questioning guests who tried to avoid his probing questions.
In a statement, the BBC said he had made an “outstanding contribution” to the broadcaster.
“This is a particularly poignant moment for me, because I have known Jeremy and relished working with him, since the day I joined the BBC in 1973,” said Tony Hall, the Director General of the BBC. ”
“His is a rare and dazzling talent. He has a unique ability to create moments of real discomfort for politicians and memorable delight for audiences.
“For that cussed brilliance and much more besides, the BBC and our audiences will always be in his debt”.
The head of news and current affairs at the BBC said that only one group would be glad to see Paxman leave the show.
“Jeremy has led from the front: fearless, aggressive and persistent,” said James Harding.
“We accept his decision to move on but I think it is fair to say that the only people really celebrating his decision will be the politicians and public figures he has so often and so brilliantly held to account”.
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