Evan Davis is become the presenter of Newsnight, replacing Jeremy Paxman, who left in June.
Davis worked for Newsnight between 1997 and 2001, before becoming the BBC’s economics editor for six years, and then the Radio 4 Today programme presenter.
Discussing his new appointment, Davis joked on Twitter:
“I had been determined to outlive John Humphrys on @BBCr4today so I have failed. But you can’t turn down Newsnight”
In a statement, the journalist elaborated:
“I can’t deny that I feel terribly sad to be leaving the Today programme. I have been there for over six years and those have been some of the most satisfying of my career.
“But at the same time, how could I turn down the offer of this role on Newsnight, treading in the footsteps of some of the best television presenters in the business? While it is a scary prospect, it will be an adventure and a challenge, and I hope the viewers will be happy with the result.”
Editor of Newsnight Ian Katz commented:
“Evan brings a rare combination of curiosity, intelligence and mischief to his broadcasting – just the qualities I want Newsnight to be known for. I’ve admired him from afar as a listener and viewer for years and I’m thrilled that he’s joining us to help reinvent the show where he made his name in the Nineties.”
