JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 16, 2024 at 02:00 pm | JP Staff Report
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—The BBC has announced plans to close its long-running interview program, HARDtalk, after three decades on air. This decision has shocked many, particularly veteran journalist and host Stephen Sackur, who has been with the program since 2004. Sackur took to Twitter to express his disappointment, calling the news "depressing" for both the BBC and the global audience that values independent, deeply researched journalism.
In his tweet, Sackur wrote, "Today BBC News has announced plans to close @BBCHARDtalk after 3 decades holding the world’s politicians and powerbrokers to account. This is sad news for me personally, but much more important, I think it's depressing news for the BBC and all who believe in the importance of independent, rigorous, deeply-researched journalism."
For 30 years, HARDtalk has been renowned for its long-form interviews that challenge politicians, world leaders, and influential figures. The show has featured high-profile guests like Hugo Chavez, Sergei Lavrov, Lula da Silva, Emmanuel Macron, and Imran Khan, with Sackur and previous hosts holding powerbrokers accountable in a way few other programs dared to do.
Sackur emphasized how the show was much more than just another news segment. "HARDtalk is unique—a long-form interview show with only one mission: to hold to account those who all too often avoid accountability in their own countries," he said. Sackur also paid tribute to the brilliant team of producers and researchers behind the scenes, noting that they were being disbanded as part of the program's closure.
The timing of this decision comes as BBC Director-General Tim Davie is lobbying the British government to secure continued taxpayer funding for the BBC World Service, which Sackur describes as "a vital expression of democratic soft power."
Sackur acknowledged the value of HARDtalk to audiences worldwide, describing it as his "privilege to be a small part of their lives" through this platform. Reflecting on his future, he indicated that he will seek new opportunities in the coming year but assured that his commitment to rigorous journalism will remain unchanged.
The closure of HARDtalk has sparked concern about the future of in-depth, independent journalism, especially when disinformation and media manipulation are rampant. The decision raises broader questions about the direction of BBC News and its role in the global media landscape.
With the end of HARDtalk, one of the last bastions of truly uncompromising, deeply-researched journalism at the BBC comes to an end, marking a significant loss for both the network and its viewers globally.
Photo credit: https://champions-speakers.co.uk
March 29, 2025: A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025: Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.
March 25, 2025: Turkish authorities must release detained journalists covering protests and end press crackdowns. CPJ condemns police violence and home raids targeting media workers.
March 16, 2025: The Trump administration has ordered furloughs at U.S.-funded broadcasters, including Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia, raising concerns about press freedom and government control over media funding.
March 08, 2025: Senior UK TV producers are taking shelf-stacking and pub jobs as the industry faces a prolonged crisis. Thousands are unemployed, with freelancers struggling to find work. Learn more about the factors behind this collapse.
February 28, 2025: CPJ urges Russian authorities to drop charges against journalist Ekaterina Barabash, who faces up to 10 years in jail for criticizing the Ukraine invasion. Learn how fake news laws are being used to silence dissenting voices in Russia.
February 21, 2025: Ghanaian authorities must investigate the attack on five journalists covering Ashanti Region elections. CPJ urges accountability to ensure press freedom and safety.
February 07, 2025: Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.
April 11, 2025 Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025 The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025 Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025 The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025 Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.