BBC2’s Newsnight is to be given a makeover later this year to bring it in line with the rest of the corporation’s news programmes.
George Entwistle, editor of the current affairs flagship since Sian Kevill left to begin her review of politics across the network, is understood to be discussing plans for a new set with Lambie-Nairn, the creators of BBC2’s on-screen look.
Although the revamp is part of a rebranding strategy across all the BBC’s news and current affairs output, the Newsnight set will continue to have its own distinctive look and won’t incorporate the colours and style of the main news bulletins.
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The new look, which won’t be unveiled before the summer, is expected to be "less cluttered and lighter" than the current Newsnight set which was introduced three years ago, a source said.
The Newsnight changes coincide with increasing speculation over the future of political programmes since Kevill began her review of the BBC’s coverage.
Last week, Anne Tyerman, head of political documentaries, was made redundant following the controversial decision to move her 20-strong department from Millbank to Television Centre, where it will come under the control of BBC2 current affairs.
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The corporation has denied that it has already decided to axe the current affairs programmes On The Record and Despatch Box.
However, a source said that "programmes would certainly change and some will go".
The results of Kevill’s review are due to be published towards the end of the month.
Staff have been invited to attend a series of presentations at Television Centre and around the country where the results of her research so far will be discussed.
Details of who will be taking responsibility for new programmes and projects will also be announced.
By Julie Tomlin
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