The Beeb came under quite a bit of criticism when, for reasons best known only to idiots, BBC bosses (that is to say, the idiots) axed Stuart from the Corporation’s line up of news readers back in 2007. The move also provided further ammunition for those who argue that the Beeb’s mainly male management are ageist when it comes to female on-screen talent, despite being happy to let the nearly-deads occupy prime time when it comes to the men.

There were rumours Evans was pushing for Stuart to be hired as the newsreader for his new breakfast show last year, and her appointment was confirmed yesterday. Evans said in a statement: “It doesn’t get any better than Moira Stuart. The voice, the authority, the style, the class, plus a side of her the majority of people have never seen before. She’s funny, she’s cheeky and dare I say it – ever such a little bit naughty. Always brilliant on the telly, I predict she’s going to be even better on the radio. In fact, I know she will be”.

Some commentators reckon Stuart is a clever appointment to Evans’ team, given her profile and popularity among the station’s old ‘Wake Up To Wogan’ audience, some of whom still need convincing that Chris Evans is someone with whom they might want to share their breakfast. Commenting on her new job, Stuart herself added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Chris Evans Breakfast Show at Radio 2. We’ll certainly have some fun”.

Radio 2’s new Evans-topped schedule kicks off on Monday. In related news, the BBC station will be looking for a new Saturday presenter come the summer following an announcement from Jonathan Ross this morning that he will not be renewing his always controversial deal with the Corporation. There has been much speculation of late as to how much of a pay cut Ross would take when his current multi-million deal came up for renewal in July, given all the political pressure on the Beeb over its overly-high talent pay packages, and in particular Ross’s arrangement. Another big BBC name, Graham Norton, has agreed to take a cut of half a million a year on his new deal.

As it is, Ross has opted for a 100% pay cut. Or no pay cut. Depending how you look at it. Still, he insists his decision to leave the BBC and all his shows on its networks has nothing to do with money. He said in a statement this morning: “Over the last two weeks I have decided not to re-negotiate when my current [BBC] contract comes to an end. I would like to make it perfectly clear that no negotiations ever took place and that my decision is not financially motivated. I signed my current contract with the BBC having turned down more lucrative offers from other channels because it was where I wanted to be and – as I have said before – would happily have stayed there for any fee they cared to offer, but there were other considerations”.

Despite the fact I’ve no intention of listening to the all new Chris Evans breakfast show, and despite all those tax ads us Spotify listeners had to tolerate this time last year, I’m somehow rather pleased by the news that Moira Stuart will return to the BBC next week as chief newsreader on the revamped Radio 2 breakfast show.

The Beeb came under quite a bit of criticism when, for reasons best known only to idiots, BBC bosses (that is to say, the idiots) axed Stuart from the Corporation’s line up of news readers back in 2007. The move also provided further ammunition for those who argue that the Beeb’s mainly male management are ageist when it comes to female on-screen talent, despite being happy to let the nearly-deads occupy prime time when it comes to the men.

There were rumours Evans was pushing for Stuart to be hired as the newsreader for his new breakfast show last year, and her appointment was confirmed yesterday. Evans said in a statement: “It doesn’t get any better than Moira Stuart. The voice, the authority, the style, the class, plus a side of her the majority of people have never seen before. She’s funny, she’s cheeky and dare I say it – ever such a little bit naughty. Always brilliant on the telly, I predict she’s going to be even better on the radio. In fact, I know she will be”.

Some commentators reckon Stuart is a clever appointment to Evans’ team, given her profile and popularity among the station’s old ‘Wake Up To Wogan’ audience, some of whom still need convincing that Chris Evans is someone with whom they might want to share their breakfast. Commenting on her new job, Stuart herself added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Chris Evans Breakfast Show at Radio 2. We’ll certainly have some fun”.

Radio 2’s new Evans-topped schedule kicks off on Monday. In related news, the BBC station will be looking for a new Saturday presenter come the summer following an announcement from Jonathan Ross this morning that he will not be renewing his always controversial deal with the Corporation. There has been much speculation of late as to how much of a pay cut Ross would take when his current multi-million deal came up for renewal in July, given all the political pressure on the Beeb over its overly-high talent pay packages, and in particular Ross’s arrangement. Another big BBC name, Graham Norton, has agreed to take a cut of half a million a year on his new deal.

As it is, Ross has opted for a 100% pay cut. Or no pay cut. Depending how you look at it. Still, he insists his decision to leave the BBC and all his shows on its networks has nothing to do with money. He said in a statement this morning: “Over the last two weeks I have decided not to re-negotiate when my current [BBC] contract comes to an end. I would like to make it perfectly clear that no negotiations ever took place and that my decision is not financially motivated. I signed my current contract with the BBC having turned down more lucrative offers from other channels because it was where I wanted to be and – as I have said before – would happily have stayed there for any fee they cared to offer, but there were other considerations”.

CMU Daily / http://www.thecmuwebsite.com/