BBC to sign new deal with Huw Edwards in bid to stem presenter exits

The BBC is reportedly confident it will stem the flow of its presenter exodus by signing a new deal with 61-year-old Huw Edwards. While the broadcaster has spoken about scaling back his duties in recent years, BBC insiders are now optimistic they have persuaded him to stay for up to three years.

Huw was on presenting duties when the BBC first reported the death of Queen Elizabeth II last September.

The journalist remained in the chair as the nation mourned the monarch’s death following her 70-year reign.

He amassed praise for the eloquence of his reporting throughout the mourning period and the Queen’s funeral.

BBC insiders are now positive they have “convinced” Huw to stay following his standout year on screens, Deadline has reported.

In 2021, Huw admitted he was contemplating considering quitting the BBC’s News at Ten, with The Sunday Times reporting he was due to leave the programme in early 2023.

“The nightly news business, after 20 years, can be taxing, even though I still enjoy the job,” the veteran broadcaster said in 2021.

There have also been reports of Huw being asked to join rival news programmes such as Good Morning Britain.

Huw is set to continue hosting BBC One’s bulletins at 10pm and play a pivotal role in the coverage of King Charles III’s coronation in May.

The journalist will also be hosting the channel’s general election output in 2024.

It is understood Huw earns as much as £415,000 a year but has taken two pay cuts over the past three years as “the BBC seeks to reduce presenter salaries”, Deadline reported.

Last year, Huw said he’s “had a good run” at the BBC but his decision to leave or remain would not be his own.

He told Radio Times: “When I was approaching my 60th birthday, I said to a journalist that it might be a normal time to think about my future.

“That became translated as, ‘He’s on the move’. Ultimately, it’s not my decision.”

He added: “I’m not going to walk away from something as prominent as the Ten.

“I’ve had a good run, but I genuinely do enjoy it. I like what I do.”

Insiders are allegedly “toasting” the expected singing of Huw in the wake of the influx of presenter departures in recent years.

High-profile reporters such as Emily Maitlis, Andrew Marr and Jon Sopel have all left the BBC to take either voluntary redundancy or work with a rival.

Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment on Huw’s future with the network.

Last year, Huw said it would be a “mistake” if the BBC takes audiences and the licence fee for granted amid complaints about the annual fee of £159.

He said people have become more “cynical” than ever before due to social media, but stressed the BBC is a “force for good”.

BBC News at Ten, previously known as the BBC Ten O’Clock News, airs on weekdays and Sundays on BBC One.

Source: Read Full Article