Robert Peston openly mocked by BBC colleagues after ITV threat
'I want to publicly offer to stand aside as presenter and offer my job to Robert'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Some of the BBC's most famous presenters have begged Robert Peston to stay in a spoof on-air appeal.
ITV has reportedly tried to poach the BBC's economics editor, prompting several of his colleagues to jokingly offer him their jobs. Jonathan Dimbleby, presenter of Any Questions, described it as the "most serious crisis facing the BBC" and offered Mr Peston Any Questions. Huw Edwards, Nicholas Parsons and Eddie Mair also took part in the stunt on the PM programme on BBC Radio 4.
Parsons quipped that Peston's ability to talk with "clarity and smoothness" made him the perfect candidate for a slot on his show Just A Minute, while Mair - who has clashed horns with Peston before - joked he would give the presenter his kidney. "The very suggestion of Robert wanting to leave the BBC makes me want to cry my eyes out, literally. I want to publicly offer to stand aside as presenter of PM and offer my job to Robert as part of his burgeoning portfolio of programmes. I'm also prepared to sell my kidney if it in increases the amount of money the BBC can afford to offer," he said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments