Paddy O’Connell and Matt Chorley have been appointed as the new permanent presenters of BBC's iconic late-night politics show, Newsnight, following the departure of Kirsty Wark last July. This announcement comes after a nine-month wait, during which both O’Connell and Chorley have been presenting on an ad hoc basis.
Victoria Derbyshire, who has been leading the program, will continue her role, hosting from Monday to Wednesday. O’Connell will take over on Thursdays, while Chorley will host on Fridays. The changes mark a significant transition for the show, which has been a staple of British television for over four decades.
O’Connell, 59, expressed his excitement about joining the team, stating, “I’ve been a Newsnight viewer since I was 18, so it’s a privilege to formally join the team. As news continues to break late into the evening, Thursday nights will be an opportunity to bring clarity and insight to fast-moving events, alongside the excellent work already being done by Victoria and the team.”
Chorley, 42, also shared his enthusiasm, noting the program's rich history. He remarked, “Newsnight has a remarkable legacy, and under Victoria’s leadership it has been revitalised in the past year. I’m looking forward to bringing political insight and analysis from Westminster each Friday, sharing what I’ve learned with viewers alongside an engaging and informed line-up of guests.”
The shift in presenting roles comes as Newsnight celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2025. Jonathan Aspinwall, the Executive Editor of Newsnight, welcomed O’Connell and Chorley to the team, highlighting their journalistic insight and distinctive styles. He stated, “I’m pleased to welcome Paddy and Matt to the presenting team alongside Victoria Derbyshire. Their journalistic insight, experience, and distinctive styles will bring additional strength to our coverage of major national and global stories.”
Since Wark's departure, the program has seen a notable increase in viewership, with the television audience rising by more than 30 percent. The show has adapted its format to emphasize live interviews and in-depth analysis, moving away from expensive investigations and pre-recorded segments.
Both O’Connell and Chorley have extensive backgrounds in journalism. O’Connell is well known for his work on BBC Radio 4, where he presents the live Sunday morning show, Broadcasting House. He has also hosted Newscast on BBC Sounds with Laura Kuenssberg. This return to BBC Two marks a significant moment in his career, as he previously anchored shows like Working Lunch and Battle Of The Brains.
Chorley, on the other hand, has a background in political journalism, having served as the political editor for MailOnline from 2012 to 2015 before joining BBC 5 Live in 2024. His experience will be invaluable as he brings political insights to the Friday night slot.
As the new presenters step into their roles, they join a legacy of prominent journalists who have shaped the program, including the likes of Jeremy Paxman, Emily Maitlis, and Evan Davis. Their appointments signal a new chapter for Newsnight, as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of news broadcasting.
Victoria Derbyshire remains a central figure in this evolution, hosting the show at the beginning of the week and providing insights with the help of Newsnight’s Political Editor, Nick Watt. Faisal Islam and Katie Razzall will also continue to contribute regularly to the program.
Last year, the program underwent a significant shift in its format to focus more on live insights and interviews. This change was largely influenced by the need to engage viewers more effectively in a fast-paced news environment. The decision to emphasize real-time discussions has resonated well with audiences, and the program's ratings reflect this success.
In a recent statement, Wark addressed the evolving nature of journalism, particularly concerning the role of opinionated presenters. She emphasized the importance of impartiality in broadcasting, stating, “We are not the story,” and advocated for the BBC to remain a “trusted friend” in an era of increasing opinion-driven journalism.
Her comments come in light of controversies surrounding presenters like Gary Lineker, who faced disciplinary action for his political commentary on social media. The ongoing debate about impartiality at the BBC has prompted reviews of the organization's social media guidelines, affecting all presenters, not just those in news and current affairs.
As Newsnight moves forward with its new presenting team, the program's commitment to delivering insightful and balanced journalism remains steadfast. With O’Connell and Chorley on board, viewers can expect a fresh perspective on the issues that matter most in today’s political landscape.
In summary, the new appointments of Paddy O’Connell and Matt Chorley as permanent presenters of Newsnight represent a significant moment in the program's storied history. As they join Victoria Derbyshire in leading the show, their unique insights and experiences are expected to enhance the program's appeal and relevance in an ever-evolving media landscape.
