[interestednovice]

Outside Source works when it is Atkins doing his analytical explainers, otherwise it doesn't work as a separate brand as it is just a presentationally duller news bulletin. Given Atkins' explainers are pretty much the sole innovative news format the BBC have and which has had social media traction, the BBC would be idiotic to ditch them, but given that he so rarely presents Outside Source anymore it is probably better that they axed the programme and instead had him pop up to do explainers on a more ad hoc basis, possibly within one of the planned new branded programmes.

If you're broadcasting to an international audience, a UK story has to have some context provided for them. One thing that does get people to switch over when watching news is that they don't understand what is being talked about - giving world viewers stories that they have no frame of reference for is only going to alienate them, which, of course, has financial implications. Ultimately, international viewers will be far more willing to put up with greater UK news if they can understand it.

Outside Source became boring as soon as it lost its touchscreen and the fact that the bbc had many sources to draw stories from, which was what the original was very good at originally.

I agree that the original concept of Outside Source, ironically, was far more innovative. It also fit the name far better.

On the point about context to news for World viewers: good point, however to an extent the reverse it also true - British viewers will be irritated by constant explanations of where Warwickshire is and how the “UK Finance Minister” is called the Chancellor, so will quickly switch away if things get too international. This is party what I meant before when I was saying that it’s impossible to satisfy both audiences. Financially, the WN audience is by far the most important but the BBC must also be seen to do enough for British viewers by Ofcom and the press, so it has no choice really but the unsatisfying fudge we are now seeing.

There is nothing wrong with “proper” WN if that’s what the audience is expecting, though. But it wouldn’t allow the BBC to claim that it’s “not closing the NC”!