BBC Faces Criticism as HARDtalk Nears Final Broadcasts

Stephen Sackur denounces the decision to cancel the long-running program, citing its importance for independent journalism in an era of rising disinformation.

• The BBC is set to air the final episodes of HARDtalk on March 27 and 28, featuring retrospective interviews with global leaders from the program's 28-year history.
• Stephen Sackur, HARDtalk's long-time host, has criticized BBC management for the decision, calling it 'incredibly dumb' and expressing disappointment with Director-General Tim Davie's lack of engagement with the team.
• The cancellation of HARDtalk comes as part of broader cost-cutting measures to address the BBC's projected £492 million deficit for the 2024/25 financial year.
• Sackur emphasized the program's unique role in holding power to account and voiced concerns about the erosion of rigorous journalism during a time of increasing disinformation.
• HARDtalk, a staple of the BBC World Service since 1997, is widely regarded as a vital expression of democratic values and journalistic integrity on the global stage.

3 Articles

The Guardian Radio Times The Independent