A round-up of the week’s stories and observations.
- MON 22ND APR (2.15PM)
Huw Edwards resigns from the BBC on medical advice - THU 25TH APR (1.10PM)
BBC News at One moves to Studio D due to election rehearsals - THU 25TH APR (5.50PM)
Sara Cox show forced off air by sound fault - FRI 26TH APR (11.15PM)
Rageh Omaar becomes unwell during News at Ten
Monday 22nd April
2.15pm Huw Edwards resigns from the BBC on medical advice
TV news presenter Huw Edwards has resigned from the BBC on “medical advice”, the corporation has said.
The broadcaster has been off air since last July following newspaper reports claiming he paid a young person for sexually explicit images.
He was the BBC’s most high-profile news anchor, often chosen to front coverage of major national events.
EXTERNAL ARTICLE: Huw Edwards leaves BBC on medical advice.
Thursday 25th April
1.10pm BBC News at One moves to Studio D due to election rehearsals
The BBC News at One came from Studio D today, due to rehearsals for next week’s local/mayoral elections in Studio B, the programme’s usual home.
Studio B will remain available for the BBC News at Six and BBC News at Ten.
Eagle-eyed viewers might spot evidence of election preparations in Studio B – a large, curved screen placed in front of the main desk. That will remain in place until after the election coverage next week.
5.50pm Sara Cox show forced off air by sound fault
A sound issue took Sara Cox’s BBC Radio 2 show off the air for a short time, just before 5pm today.
The problem was apparent for about fifteen minutes and worsened gradually.
When the programme finally fell off air, we had 30 seconds of silence before the emergency tape kicked in. Even the emergency tape fell victim to gremlins, interrupted by a period of silence.
After a few minutes, the 5pm news bulletin arrived, slightly late.
Sara’s show continued after the news. The presenter referenced the technical issues at 5.15pm and told listeners they had to continue the programme from one of the Radio 1 studios.
Friday 26th April
11.15pm Rageh Omaar becomes unwell during News at Ten
Many viewers have expressed concern for the health of ITV News presenter Rageh Omaar following tonight’s News at Ten, during which the presenter repeatedly stumbled over words and appeared unwell.
The programme is not being rebroadcast on ITV 1 + 1.
UPDATE (27TH APRIL 1.23AM): ITV News spokesperson via the press: “We are aware that viewers are concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing. Rageh became unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday and is now receiving medical care. He thanks everyone for their well wishes.”
UPDATE (27TH APRIL 4.10PM): ITV: “We appreciate viewers of last night’s News at Ten were concerned about Rageh Omaar’s wellbeing. Following medical treatment at hospital, he is now recovering at home with his family. We are wishing Rageh a speedy recovery and look forward to him being back on screen when he feels ready.”
Rageh Omaar: “I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and good wishes, especially all the medical staff, all my wonderful colleagues at ITV News, and our viewers who expressed concern. At the time, I was determined to finish presenting the programme. I am grateful for all the support I’ve been given.”
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Acknowledgements
PICTURED: BBC News at One in Studio D. COPYRIGHT: BBC.