BBC North West Tonight

confirmed in this, from ……..

WWW.BBC.CO.UK/PRESSOFFICE
15-Apr-2011 @ 15:08


Gordon Burns steps down from BBC North West Tonight

Gordon Burns will be standing down from BBC North West Tonight at the end of September 2011, after nearly 15 years presenting the programme.

He will continue to work with the BBC presenting a brand new show broadcast simultaneously on Radio Manchester and Radio Lancashire, on Sunday mornings from September.

I knew it wouldn't be long. It will be sad to see him go though.

I think it would have been better if we got a brand new presenting line up when they move to Media City.

On the topic of the move, do we know when NWT moves over? May?

I'll miss Gordon terribly.

He started on NWT when I was 11, an age when I was beginning to develop more of an interest in news and current affairs. He's remained ever-constant anchor throughout the changing times of my young adult years: A reassuring constant, with authority, sensitivity, and enthusiasm for the North West.

I haven't really known anything other than Gordon presenting in the North West. It'll be a big change, especially for people of my generation!

What's more, he's held in such high esteem and comes over as a down to earth, decent bloke too. An impeccable career through 6 decades: from Northern Irish newspapers in the 60s, Granada in the 70s and 80s and the BBC in more recent times.

Thanks Gordon Burns. And good luck!

Fingers crossed for Stuart Flinders, I can't stand Tony Livesey. So stupid that he pronounced "Barça" as "Barka".

I wonder whose decision this was? Did Gordon step down or has it been decided to have a new start for Salford?

I doubt Gordon will have been forced out. It's a shame he couldn't have just reduced his role, maybe leaving the lunchtime bulletin to someone else or just doing Monday - Thursday, but if he wants to go, good luck to him! He will be missed!

I think you're confusing Gordon with Ken Barlow.

Is it a coincidence that Gordon isn't on tonight? No reason has been given for his absence, nor has it been mentioned that he is leaving.

I thought that - it's unusual for it to be single-headed. If the absense is planned, there's normally someone to fill in.

How about Andy Crane as the new presenter in September? Channel M was decent grounding. A contender I reckon.

Surprised if Tony Livesey takes on considering his late show on Five Live which is getting record breaking figures

How far do regional presenters require a solid journalistic grounding to become good anchor?

How old is Gordon?

I'm guessing mid to late 60's.

Here in BBC Midlands land we will have a similar situation in September, when veteran BBC WM presenter Ed Doolan reduces to 2 days a week & he's late 60's.