Ex-BBC chief demands iconic show is AXED to save millions of pounds in shock statement

A FORMER BBC chief has demanded one of the station’s iconic shows is axed to save money.

Ex BBC News’ ex-boss Katy Searle has called on the broadcaster to axe Newsnight.

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A former BBC chief has demanded one of the station’s iconic shows is axed to save moneyCredit: Getty

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BBC News’ ex-boss Katy Searle has called on the broadcaster to axe NewsnightCredit: Getty

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The show airs weekdays from 10:30pm on BBC One and the News channel with Kirsty Wark, Victoria Derbyshire and Faisal IslamCredit: BBC

The current affairs programme, which has been on air for 43 years now, is a staple of the schedule.

It airs weekdays from 10:30pm on BBC One and the News channel with Kirsty Wark, Victoria Derbyshire and Faisal Islam.

Speaking about ditching the show, Katy said: “Is it really the right thing to spend £13million on a programme that is only watched by 300,000?

“When, actually, you could do that same investigative journalism but spread it across news in different parts of the day?

“And remember, Panorama still exists.”

Katy, who recently left the BBC after 33 years, was talking to Rodger Bolton’s Beeb Watch podcast.

The broadcaster axed presenters from air earlier this year as part of a cost-saving measure.

It also merged the UK and world news channels into one output.

Meanwhile, one of the beloved anchors who left the station recently revealed her new job.

Joanna took voluntary redundancy alongside David Eades and Tim Willcox after 23 years with the broadcaster, and became emotional during her final broadcast in January.

Now, she has secured a new role away from the world of journalism as a Senior Associate Mediator at legal and financial advisor firm Irwin Mitchell.

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The current affairs programmehas been on air for 43 years nowCredit: BBC

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