Jeremy Paxman to quit BBC Two's Newsnight

[dipsydoodle]

eremy Paxman is quitting BBC Two's Newsnight after 25 years at the helm.

The BBC said he made his decision last summer but "generously agreed" to stay until June to help the show through "a difficult period". That came after it chose not to run an item linking Jimmy Savile with child abuse.

Paxman said it was "time to move on" and he "should rather like to go to bed at much the same time as most people".

Director General Tony Hall said Paxman, 63, was "a rare and dazzling talent".

"He has a unique ability to create moments of real discomfort for politicians and memorable delight for audiences," Mr Hall said.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27230684

[Ken Burch]

1. It always struck me that, on the BBC, Paxman was the only one allowed to be rude to politicians.

That he had special license, for some reason, to treat the major figures in British politics with a complete lack of the usual undeserved deference.

Any of you know how exactly Paxman earned that particular privilege?

[dipsydoodle]

2. He was a bit like that at times on University Challenge.

I think its just his nature.