Martin Lewis rips into BBC as legendary show cuts half of its staff in sweeping cuts dubbed ‘great shame’ by fans

MARTIN Lewis has ripped into the BBC after the host of a legendary show announced his departure following a string of cuts.

The broadcaster previously revealed its plans to downsize its flagship current affairs show Newsnight.

Bosses are set to cut more than half of the programme’s workforce and reduced its running time to just 30 minutes.

Following the cuts its lead presenter Mark Urban stunned viewers by announcing he was stepping down from his role.

And now Martin Lewis has taken a swipe at Beeb execs for their decision.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the Money Saving Expert said: “Totally understandable and timely call by BBC to downgrade Newsnight at the moment, especially on the type of geopolitical expertise someone like Mark Urban has…

“After all, there’s very little global news or conflict happening these days.”

Martin, 51, was replying directly to Mark’s announcement news.

The presenter had said: “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.”

The London-born journalist, 63, had previously been BBC News’ Middle East Correspondent before moving to Newsnight.

Mark first joined the BBC in 1983 as an assistant producer, before leaving to follow a print journalism career at The Independent.

He then returned to the Beeb and became Newsnight’s Diplomatic Editor in 1995.

Newsnight first broadcast 43 years ago and airs weekdays from 10:30pm on BBC One and the News channel with Kirsty Wark, Victoria Derbyshire and Faisal Islam.

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Alex Doyle

April 16, 2024 1:08 pm