Newsnight has axed two correspondents in the latest changes at the flagship BBC current affairs show.
Science editor Susan Watts and foreign reporter Tim Whewell have been told their roles are being made redundant.
Watts has been with Newsnight since 1995 while Whewell has been with the show for 12 years.
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Newsnight editor Ian Katz took to Twitter in a bid to counter criticism of the decision.
Newsnight's commitment to covering science – including climate change – as strong as ever. Just want to do it in a different way.
— Ian Katz (@iankatz1000) November 17, 2013
This follows news that Laura Kuenessberg is moving from ITV to Newsnight as the show’s chief correspondent and presenter.
According to the Guardian, changes are also expected within the show’s investigations unit.
Newsnight’s former economics editor Paul Mason has already departed the BBC having joined Channel 4 news.
The National Union of Journalists has begun a consultation process with the broadcaster over the planned changes.
Told Thursday, Newsnight's editor is closing programme's post of Science Editor. Disappointing, professionally and personally.
— Susan Watts (@susanwatts01) November 16, 2013
The new #Newsnight doesn't need 2 dedicated foreign reporters so sadly after 12 yrs from Afghan war to Arab uprisings I'm off the show
— Tim Whewell (@BBCTimWhewell) November 17, 2013
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