BBC news presenters to switch programmes

MARTYN LEWIS and Peter Sissons, two of the BBC's main news presenters, are to switch programmes in the new year, writes Martin Wroe.

Mr Lewis, who currently presents the Nine O'Clock News, is to present the Six O'Clock News with Anna Ford, replacing Mr Sissons, who is to present the Nine O'Clock News, alternating nights with Michael Buerk.

The decision is a compromise after Mr Lewis scuppered the BBC's original plans by making it clear that he would not be prepared to replace Nicholas Witchell on BBC Breakfast News. The latter is known to want to move. Mr Sissons will retain his anchor role on Question Time.