Martin Lewis takes brutal swipe at BBC after show cut and says 'after all'

James Rodger

15 April 2024 at 8:36 am·2-min read

Martin Lewis has hit out at an "untimely" call by the BBC to downgrade Newsnight with Mark Urban set to leave the corporation. BBC star Mark will walk away from Newsnight at the end of May and depart the broadcaster - with ITV star Mr Lewis slamming the move today.

Taking to Twitter/X to pen a sarcastic response, Martin sniped: "Totally understandable and timely call by BBC to downgrade Newsnight at the moment, especially on the type of geopolitical expertise someone like Mark Ubran has... after all there's very little global news or conflict happening these days."

Mark had explained: "I’ll be leaving the BBC at the end of May. Newsnight in its current format will end then, so most posts will go. I decided not to apply for other BBC jobs. Working there for 35 yrs has been life defining: an eyewitness to history collaborating with such brilliant colleagues. But it’s time for a change."

"Good Lord I’m bowled over by the replies to this. You’ve brought a tear to the eye of this old bruiser! Forgive me if I don’t reply to you individually," he went on to write. Lewis Goodall told him: "The best of the best, now and always. The quintessential Newsnight reporter and an inspiration to so many of us. What a run!"

And Emily Maitlis said: "Mark what a huge huge loss this will be. I so loved working with you. I am very sorry you are leaving - and your catchphrase will stay with us all forever .." John Simpson said: "Dear Mark — you’ll be deeply missed. I always looked forward to your Newsnight reports, and always learned from them. Your war reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan was magnificent, and very brave. I do hope we’ll hear and see plenty of you in future."

Responding to Mr Lewis' swipe at the BBC, one fan said: "Martin this is 100% driven by years of underfunding. The Gov cannot expect the BBC to maintain all output with a below inflation funding arrangement. Blame this Government."

"With the way the BBC is going they'll bring it back as GBNewsnight to appease their tory overlords," another fumed. Newsnight is to become a 30-minute “interview, debate and discussion show” as part of the BBC’s wider plans to make £500m of savings, the corporation has said.

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