Richard Watson has announced his decision to leave the broadcaster after 33 years on the channel and 25 years working on Newsnight. The presenter was inundated with messages of support after he shared his decision was made when the BBC “ended investigative journalism” on the nightly show.
Taking to X today, he wrote: “Following the decision to end investigative journalism at @BBCNewsnight. I’m leaving the BBC today after 33 years – 25 on Newsnight itself.
“It’s been wonderful to work with so many talented friends & a privilege to have been able to focus on public interest journalism. A [thread emoji].”
In the lengthy post, Richard detailed his many achievements working at the BBC including exposing organising criminals that targeted the UK in 2014 to the Westminster Bridge terror attack.
He signed off: “It has been a great run. Onwards! (As one of my Editors used to say!)”
Richard joined Newsnight in 1998 after working as a BBC reporter for The Money Programme, Panorama and on radio documentaries for the Radio 4 series File on 4.
He specialised in investigations; with several having won top awards.
Richard’s loyal followers rushed to the comment section and offered their well wishes to the longstanding correspondent.
One person wrote: “A fantastic list of achievements. Will miss you. Hopefully, you will pop up somewhere else!”
Another said: “The investigations made old Newsnight what it was. We hope to see you elsewhere on screen Richard and send you all best wishes. Thank you and your colleagues for all your brilliant work. Terrific news/reportage TV.”
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