[ViridianFan]

I'm still of that mind. However, the BBC needs to decide upon which non-news roles are acceptable for its journalists to take on and which are not. Is it right that Fiona Bruce should have so much of her time taken up by filming the Antiques Roadshow, Question Time and Fake or Fortune? I have less of an objection to Question Time as it's a news and current affairs programme. How many people look at Fiona Bruce and think "Presenter" or "Antiques" rather than "Journalist"?

It isn't helpful when roles are blurred and the filming requirements for these broadcasts mean that the burden is taken up by others within the newsroom. I don't have an objection if a journalist does a documentary - Dimbleby, Marr and Edwards all did them - but the documentary should be (call me a snob if you must) substantial. I'm not sure a jolly through Italy quite cuts it.  As much as I love gardening, I'm not sure that Sophie Raworth should be doing the Chelsea Flower Show, but this is one of the rare occasions when she appears on something other than the news or a consumer affair programme.

Of course, the Huw Edwards issue revealed a failure (shocking, I know) of BBC management. They placed all of their eggs in one basket. Anchor of the Six/Ten, State events, commentator, etc. When that linchpin is removed so suddenly it leaves a hole that must be filled. Should that hole be filled by an individual or by two or three individuals? It's a question that needs to be answered sooner rather than later (especially as an election could be called anytime between now and the end of 2024).

There have always been the odd newsreader who front other programmes with Michael Burke jumping to mind with 999. However I need do agree there does they seen to host other programs much more now. 

I wonder if the BBC’s finances have had any impact on this. I wonder if also if the thinking is these are already recognised, trusted and popular faces and that there is less risk having these front programmes instead of risking someone unknown. 

Your example of Fiona Bruce is a good one. I have to admit whenever i see her present an bulletin for that split second I forget that she does. If you asked me to name what she does I will admit the news would be one of the last things I’d mention. It would be antique programs and question time. In relation to her fronting the election I’m not too sure. I’ve not been massively impressive with her fronting question time but thinks she’s great at roadshow and a bulletin. 

IIf it was me planning this out, I would got back to having pairs of presenters who front each of the national bulletins including at the weekends so you know generally know who will present it. Id then have a few floaters who fill in where and when needed. Then instead of having 1 person who ends up becoming the face of BBC News, instead the team become the faces of bbc news. You’d then use that team to lead things such as state opening of parliament, elections and those big national events. That way it never becomes reliant on one person its the “core” team