SCOT THE NINE O’CLOCK NEWS
BBC digital show set to launch in prime-time slot
BBC SCOTLAND insist they are not concerned about going up against prime time TV with their new digital news programme.
The new hour-long Nine will feature daily on the new BBC Scotland digital channel and will be a mix of local, national and international news, presented from a Scottish perspective.
Ex-ITN reporter Martin Geissler and former Aberdeen-based BBC reporter Rebecca Curran will anchor the broadcast, which launches on February 24.
The show, which represents the majority of the BBC’s £7million news investment and will operate alongside Reporting Scotland, will go up against the peak network drama slot, which has included the likes of Shetland and Broadchurch, as well as reality shows like I’m a Celebrity and The Apprentice.
Head of news Gary Smith said they deliberately chose the slot to offer something different to viewers.
He said: “A lot of people watch the big drama that may be on air at 9pm but watch it on catch-up because they might not want to sit down at 9pm. But if people want to watch news, they’ll watch it live.
“Research does suggest there is a market for people tuning into news at 9pm and they can watch other shows at a different time.
“It’s a difficult thing to work exactly. We have to listen to potential viewers and fit into a schedule that doesn’t clash with our other news programmes.
“It works really well within the five hours the channel is on every night, from 7pm to midnight.”
They also unveiled the open-plan set in the BBC Scotland studio in Glasgow, featuring a purple colour scheme and sofa, allowing for a more casual look to the show, with a couch and a standing desk.
Anchor Martin Geissler takes on presenting after 17 years travelling the world with ITN, covering crises such as wars and disasters. He said: “I’m not going to lack adrenaline.
“An hour of live TV every night with things changing, moving and having to think on your feet, is going to deliver that buzz.”
Editor Hayley Valentine added: “We will cover the world properly. There is evidence that the Scottish audience is interested in international news.
“We’ll make sure they get what they want and need from us.”