Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Newsnight is primarily a BBC program focused on light entertainment and celebrity interviews.
Answer: False
Explanation: Newsnight is the BBC's dedicated news and current affairs program, focusing on in-depth investigation and analysis of current events, rather than light entertainment or celebrity interviews.
Newsnight premiered on January 28, 1980, succeeding a shorter news bulletin.
Answer: True
Explanation: Newsnight premiered on January 28, 1980, taking over from a previous 15-minute news bulletin of the same title that had aired on BBC2.
The initial launch of Newsnight in September 1979 was delayed by four months due to industrial action.
Answer: True
Explanation: The planned September 1979 launch date for Newsnight was postponed by four months due to industrial action undertaken by the Association of Broadcasting Staff.
Newsnight was the first program created through a collaboration between BBC News and the current affairs department.
Answer: True
Explanation: Newsnight marked a significant development as the first program to be produced through a direct collaboration between the BBC News department and the current affairs department.
Newsnight was originally broadcast on BBC One and BBC Four.
Answer: False
Explanation: Newsnight premiered on BBC2 in 1980 and is currently broadcast on BBC Two and the BBC News channel.
Newsnight replaced the earlier current affairs program titled 'Tonight'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Newsnight served as a replacement for the earlier current affairs program titled 'Tonight'.
What is the primary function and format of the BBC's Newsnight program?
Answer: A program providing in-depth investigation and analysis of current events.
Explanation: Newsnight is the BBC's dedicated news and current affairs program, focusing on in-depth investigation and analysis of the stories behind the day's headlines, offering a deeper look at current events.
When did Newsnight first premiere on television?
Answer: January 28, 1980
Explanation: Newsnight premiered on January 28, 1980. Prior to this, a 15-minute news bulletin with the same title had been broadcast on BBC2 for a 13-month period between 1975 and 1976.
What caused the delay in Newsnight's initial launch in 1979?
Answer: Industrial action by the Association of Broadcasting Staff.
Explanation: The planned September 1979 launch date for Newsnight was postponed by four months due to industrial action undertaken by the Association of Broadcasting Staff.
How was Newsnight produced in its early days regarding departmental collaboration?
Answer: It was the first program created through a collaboration between BBC News and the current affairs department.
Explanation: Newsnight was the first program to be produced through a direct collaboration between the BBC News department and the current affairs department.
Newsnight replaced which earlier current affairs program?
Answer: Tonight
Explanation: Newsnight served as a replacement for the earlier current affairs program titled 'Tonight'.
In 1988, Newsnight moved to a fixed start time of 9:30 PM to allow for more flexible scheduling.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1988, Newsnight moved to a fixed start time of 10:30 PM, a change implemented to ensure a consistent schedule, rather than allowing for more flexible scheduling.
The 'Newsnight Scotland' offshoot aired from 1999 to 2014, replacing the final twenty minutes of the UK broadcast on BBC Two Scotland.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Newsnight Scotland' program ran from 1999 to 2014, broadcast on BBC Two Scotland, and it replaced the final twenty minutes of the main UK edition of Newsnight.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsnight reverted to a 10:45 PM start time to reduce studio sharing with other programs.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsnight adjusted its schedule to a 10:45 PM start time to minimize studio sharing and reduce footfall in Broadcasting House.
It was announced in November 2023 that Newsnight would be revamped into a 30-minute program focusing on interviews and debate.
Answer: True
Explanation: In November 2023, the BBC announced a significant revamp for Newsnight, transforming it into a 30-minute program centered on interviews and debate, alongside a reduction in staff numbers and the discontinuation of its special reporting team.
'Newsnight Review' was a program that followed Newsnight on Friday evenings from 2000 until December 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Newsnight Review' was a program that aired on Friday evenings from 2000 until December 2009, following the main Newsnight broadcast.
Mark Lawson chaired the panel for 'Newsnight Review' until 2005.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mark Lawson served as a primary presenter and chaired the panel for 'Newsnight Review' until 2005.
'The Review Show' replaced 'Newsnight Review' in January 2010.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Newsnight Review' was succeeded by 'The Review Show' in January 2010, which continued the format and was presented by Kirsty Wark and Martha Kearney.
In 2005, Newsnight's editor replaced the traditional stock market update with a longer, hour-long weather forecast.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2005, Newsnight's editor replaced the traditional short stock market update with a 30-second weather forecast, arguing that market data was readily available online and the weather would be more useful to viewers.
Viewer complaints and a poll favoring the market update led to its reinstatement after being replaced by a weather forecast.
Answer: True
Explanation: The change from a stock market update to a weather forecast provoked significant viewer complaints, and a poll indicated a majority favored the market update's return, leading to its reinstatement.
The November 2023 revamp of Newsnight included a significant reduction in the number of jobs within the program.
Answer: True
Explanation: The November 2023 revamp of Newsnight included a significant reduction in the number of jobs within the program, alongside changes to its format and the discontinuation of its special reporting team.
The program 'Newsnight Review' was followed by 'The Review Show' which continued to be presented by Kirsty Wark and Martha Kearney.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Newsnight Review' was succeeded by 'The Review Show' in January 2010, which continued the format and was presented by Kirsty Wark and Martha Kearney.
What significant change occurred in 1988 regarding Newsnight's schedule?
Answer: It moved to a fixed start time of 10:30 PM.
Explanation: In 1988, Newsnight moved to a fixed start time of 10:30 PM, a change implemented to ensure a consistent schedule.
What was the 'Newsnight Scotland' offshoot?
Answer: A segment that replaced the final twenty minutes of the UK's Newsnight on BBC Two Scotland.
Explanation: From 1999 to 2014, BBC Two Scotland aired 'Newsnight Scotland,' which replaced the final twenty minutes of the main UK edition of Newsnight.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect Newsnight's broadcast schedule?
Answer: It reverted to a 10:45 PM start time.
Explanation: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsnight adjusted its schedule to a 10:45 PM start time to minimize studio sharing and reduce footfall in Broadcasting House.
What change was announced in November 2023 regarding Newsnight's format?
Answer: It would be revamped into a 30-minute program focusing on interviews and debate.
Explanation: In November 2023, the BBC announced a significant revamp for Newsnight, transforming it into a 30-minute program centered on interviews and debate.
What program replaced 'Newsnight Review' in January 2010?
Answer: 'The Review Show'
Explanation: 'Newsnight Review' was succeeded by 'The Review Show' in January 2010, which continued the format and was presented by Kirsty Wark and Martha Kearney.
How did viewers react to the replacement of the stock market update with a weather forecast in 2005?
Answer: They expressed significant complaints, favoring the return of the market update.
Explanation: The change from a stock market update to a weather forecast provoked significant viewer complaints, and a poll indicated a majority favored the market update's return, leading to its reinstatement.
What was the purpose of the 'Gordaq' spoof stock market index featured on Newsnight?
Answer: To measure the political performance of Gordon Brown.
Explanation: 'Gordaq' was a spoof stock market index featured on Newsnight designed to measure the political performance of then-Chancellor Gordon Brown.
What significant change in staffing was announced for Newsnight on November 29, 2023?
Answer: The discontinuation of its special reporting team.
Explanation: On November 29, 2023, it was announced that Newsnight would be revamped, eliminating its special reporting team and reducing staff numbers.
'Newsnight's wife syndrome' referred to a male presenter who read the news headlines.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Newsnight's wife syndrome' was a pejorative term for an auxiliary presenter, typically female, who read news headlines and introduced segments, not a male presenter.
Olivia O'Leary became the first principal female presenter in 1985, and the program has featured a single presenter since 1987.
Answer: True
Explanation: Olivia O'Leary was the first principal female presenter in 1985, and the program adopted a single-presenter format for each edition starting in 1987.
The Jeremy Paxman interview with Michael Howard is renowned for Paxman asking Howard the same question twelve times.
Answer: True
Explanation: The interview is famous because Jeremy Paxman repeatedly asked Michael Howard the same question, 'Did you threaten to overrule him?', twelve times in succession.
Michael Howard humorously referenced the famous Paxman interview during Paxman's final show in June 2014.
Answer: True
Explanation: During Jeremy Paxman's final show in June 2014, Michael Howard humorously referenced their famous interview by repeating Paxman's question twelve times.
Emily Maitlis's 2019 interview with Prince Andrew focused on his business dealings.
Answer: False
Explanation: Emily Maitlis's 2019 interview with Prince Andrew focused on his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and his denials regarding allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, rather than his business dealings.
Prince Andrew stated he could not have had sex with Virginia Giuffre in March 2001 because he was at home with his daughters, having taken Beatrice to a PizzaExpress in Woking.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prince Andrew stated he could not have had sex with Virginia Giuffre in March 2001 because he was at home with his daughters, having taken his elder daughter, Beatrice, to a PizzaExpress in Woking, not attending a charity gala.
Jeremy Paxman is listed as one of the current main presenters of Newsnight.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jeremy Paxman is a notable former presenter of Newsnight; the current main presenters listed are Victoria Derbyshire, Paddy O'Connell, and Matt Chorley.
The interview with Prince Andrew by Emily Maitlis was dramatized by Netflix in 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: The interview with Prince Andrew by Emily Maitlis has been dramatized twice, including by Netflix in the 2024 film 'Scoop'.
What did the term 'Newsnight's wife syndrome' refer to?
Answer: An auxiliary presenter, typically female, who read news headlines and introduced segments.
Explanation: 'Newsnight's wife syndrome' was a pejorative term for an auxiliary presenter, typically female, whose role was to read the news headlines and introduce minor segments.
When did Newsnight transition to consistently featuring a single principal presenter for each edition?
Answer: 1987
Explanation: Olivia O'Leary became the first principal female presenter in 1985, and the program adopted a single-presenter format for each edition starting in 1987.
What made the Jeremy Paxman interview with Michael Howard particularly memorable?
Answer: Paxman asked Howard the same question twelve times in succession.
Explanation: The interview is famous because Jeremy Paxman repeatedly asked Michael Howard the same question, 'Did you threaten to overrule him?', twelve times in succession.
What was the subject of Emily Maitlis's interview with Prince Andrew in November 2019?
Answer: His relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Explanation: Emily Maitlis interviewed Prince Andrew, Duke of York, about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his denials regarding allegations made by Virginia Giuffre.
During his Newsnight interview, what specific alibi did Prince Andrew provide regarding Virginia Giuffre's accusation?
Answer: He was at home with his daughters, having taken Beatrice to a PizzaExpress in Woking.
Explanation: Prince Andrew stated he could not have had sex with Virginia Giuffre in March 2001 because he was at home with his daughters, having taken his elder daughter, Beatrice, to a PizzaExpress in Woking.
What was the general public and media reaction to Prince Andrew's Newsnight interview?
Answer: Largely negative from both the media and the public.
Explanation: Prince Andrew's responses during the interview were met with widespread negative reactions from both the media and the public.
Who is listed as the current Political Editor and an occasional presenter for Newsnight?
Answer: Nicholas Watt
Explanation: Nicholas Watt serves as the Political Editor and an occasional presenter for Newsnight.
Which of these individuals was NOT listed as a notable past presenter of Newsnight?
Answer: David Attenborough
Explanation: Notable past presenters include Jeremy Paxman, Emily Maitlis, and Kirsty Wark. David Attenborough is not listed among them.
How many times did Jeremy Paxman repeatedly ask Michael Howard the same question during their famous interview?
Answer: Twelve
Explanation: The interview is famous because Jeremy Paxman repeatedly asked Michael Howard the same question, 'Did you threaten to overrule him?', twelve times in succession.
The BBC's Board of Governors ruled Newsnight's coverage of Peter Mandelson's resignation was politically balanced.
Answer: False
Explanation: The BBC's Board of Governors ruled that Newsnight's coverage of Peter Mandelson's resignation was politically biased, citing the exclusion of opposition politicians and the inclusion of only Labour Party supporters on the discussion panel.
In May 2020, the BBC judged Emily Maitlis breached impartiality rules by implying public fury in her introduction about Dominic Cummings.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's judgment stated that Emily Maitlis breached impartiality rules in her May 2020 introduction by implying public fury regarding Dominic Cummings' actions, without clearly indicating these were points for later exploration.
Government ministers generally accepted invitations to appear on Newsnight after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister in July 2019.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following Boris Johnson's appointment as Prime Minister in July 2019, government ministers generally declined invitations to appear on Newsnight, often leading to presenters noting that no one was available or had refused.
A Newsnight investigation into Jimmy Savile was dropped shortly before broadcast because it conflicted with tribute programs planned after Savile's death.
Answer: True
Explanation: A Newsnight investigation into Jimmy Savile was reportedly dropped in December 2011, shortly before its scheduled broadcast, due to concerns about conflicting with tribute programs planned following Savile's death. An inquiry later found this decision to be flawed.
The Pollard report concluded that the decision to drop the Newsnight report on Savile allegations was flawed but justified.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Pollard report concluded that the decision to drop the Newsnight report on Savile allegations was flawed, but it specifically stated that the decision was not made to protect tribute programs, implying it was not fully 'justified' in the way the question suggests.
In November 2012, Newsnight broadcast a report falsely accusing Lord McAlpine of child abuse.
Answer: True
Explanation: In November 2012, Newsnight broadcast a report that falsely accused Lord McAlpine of child abuse, a story that later collapsed due to mistaken identity and retraction of the allegation.
Following the false accusation against Lord McAlpine, the BBC suspended all ongoing Newsnight investigations.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the aftermath of the false accusation against Lord McAlpine, the BBC issued an apology and suspended all ongoing Newsnight investigations while commissioning an inquiry into the program's editorial processes.
The BBC's Board of Governors found Newsnight's coverage of Peter Mandelson biased because it excluded opposition politicians.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's Board of Governors ruled Newsnight's coverage of Peter Mandelson's resignation biased, specifically citing the exclusion of opposition politicians from the discussion panel.
The BBC's judgment on Emily Maitlis's May 26, 2020, introduction stated that while the journalism was fair, the introduction implied public fury without clarity.
Answer: True
Explanation: The BBC's judgment on Emily Maitlis's May 26, 2020, introduction confirmed that while the journalism itself was fair, the introduction implied public fury without sufficient clarity, thus breaching impartiality rules.
Which of the following was a controversy related to Newsnight's coverage of Peter Mandelson's resignation?
Answer: The BBC's Board of Governors ruled the coverage was politically biased.
Explanation: The BBC's Board of Governors ruled that Newsnight's coverage of Peter Mandelson's resignation was politically biased, citing the exclusion of opposition politicians from the discussion panel.
In May 2020, the BBC judged Emily Maitlis breached impartiality rules for what reason?
Answer: Using biased language in her introduction about Dominic Cummings.
Explanation: The BBC judged that Emily Maitlis breached impartiality rules in her May 2020 introduction by implying public fury regarding Dominic Cummings' actions, without clearly indicating these were points for later exploration.
How did government ministers respond to Newsnight invitations after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister?
Answer: They generally declined invitations.
Explanation: Following Boris Johnson's appointment as Prime Minister in July 2019, government ministers generally declined invitations to appear on Newsnight, often leading to presenters noting that no one was available or had refused.
What was the controversy surrounding the dropped Jimmy Savile investigation on Newsnight?
Answer: The report was dropped shortly before broadcast due to conflict with tribute programs.
Explanation: A Newsnight investigation into Jimmy Savile was reportedly dropped in December 2011, shortly before its scheduled broadcast, due to concerns about conflicting with tribute programs planned following Savile's death.
What did the Pollard report conclude about the decision to drop the Newsnight report on Jimmy Savile allegations?
Answer: The decision was flawed but not made to protect tribute programs.
Explanation: The Pollard report concluded that the decision to drop the Newsnight report on Savile allegations was flawed, but it specifically stated that the decision was not made to protect tribute programs.
What happened immediately after Newsnight broadcast the false accusation against Lord McAlpine in November 2012?
Answer: The BBC commissioned an inquiry into editorial processes and suspended investigations.
Explanation: In the aftermath of the false accusation against Lord McAlpine, the BBC issued an apology and suspended all ongoing Newsnight investigations while commissioning an inquiry into the program's editorial processes.
What did the BBC's Board of Governors rule regarding Newsnight's coverage of Peter Mandelson's resignation?
Answer: It was politically biased.
Explanation: The BBC's Board of Governors ruled that Newsnight's coverage of Peter Mandelson's resignation was politically biased, citing the exclusion of opposition politicians from the discussion panel.
In 2020, Newsnight received the Royal Television Society's award for 'Daily News Programme of the Year'.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2020, Newsnight was honored with the Royal Television Society's award for 'Daily News Programme of the Year'.
The average audience for Newsnight in 2015 was higher than the average audience in 2008.
Answer: False
Explanation: The average audience for Newsnight was 579,000 in 2015, which was a decrease from the 867,000 viewers it averaged in 2008.
The average audience for Newsnight in September 2018 was approximately 500,000 viewers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The average audience for Newsnight in September 2018 was reported to be 344,000 viewers, not approximately 500,000.
The average audience for Newsnight decreased from approximately 300,000 in August 2020 to 344,000 in September 2018.
Answer: False
Explanation: The average audience for Newsnight was approximately 300,000 viewers in August 2020, which was a decrease from the 344,000 viewers it averaged in September 2018, contrary to the statement that it increased.
Following its revamp, Newsnight is reported to attract approximately half the number of viewers it did before the reforms.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, reports indicate that following its revamp, Newsnight has attracted a third more viewers than before the reforms, averaging 500,000 viewers weekly, and achieving over 1 million viewers for a specific episode.
Which award did Newsnight receive in 2020?
Answer: Royal Television Society's award for 'Daily News Programme of the Year'
Explanation: In 2020, Newsnight was honored with the Royal Television Society's award for 'Daily News Programme of the Year'.
What was the average audience for Newsnight in 2008?
Answer: 867,000 viewers
Explanation: The average audience for Newsnight was 867,000 viewers in 2008.
What was the average audience for Newsnight in January 2020?
Answer: 297,000 viewers
Explanation: In January 2020, Victoria Derbyshire stated that Newsnight's audience figures were around 297,000.
Following its revamp, what has been the reported success of Newsnight in terms of viewership?
Answer: The program attracts a third more viewers than before, averaging 500,000 weekly.
Explanation: Reports indicate that following its revamp, Newsnight has attracted a third more viewers than before the reforms, averaging 500,000 viewers weekly, and achieving over 1 million viewers for a specific episode.
Newsnight relocated its facilities to Broadcasting House in October 2012.
Answer: True
Explanation: In October 2012, Newsnight moved its operational facilities to Broadcasting House.
Newsnight played the Sex Pistols' 'God Save the Queen' in response to a suggestion to broadcast the national anthem.
Answer: True
Explanation: In November 2016, in response to a suggestion that the national anthem should be broadcast at the end of BBC transmissions, Newsnight played the Sex Pistols' 'God Save the Queen'.
Newsnight content is available on BBC iPlayer for up to one year after broadcast.
Answer: False
Explanation: Newsnight content is available on BBC iPlayer for up to thirty days after broadcast, not one year.
The signature tune for Newsnight was composed by George Fenton.
Answer: True
Explanation: The signature tune for Newsnight was composed by George Fenton, with various arrangements used throughout the program's history.
The BBC stopped broadcasting the national anthem at closedown in 1997 because the program was shortened.
Answer: False
Explanation: The practice of broadcasting the national anthem at closedown was dropped in 1997 because BBC One adopted 24-hour broadcasting by simulcasting BBC News 24 overnight, making traditional closedown obsolete.
On which BBC channels is Newsnight broadcast weeknights?
Answer: BBC Two and the BBC News channel.
Explanation: Newsnight is broadcast weeknights on BBC Two and the BBC News channel. Additionally, it is available for viewing on BBC iPlayer.
In what year did Newsnight relocate its facilities to Broadcasting House?
Answer: 2012
Explanation: In October 2012, Newsnight moved its operational facilities to Broadcasting House.
How is Newsnight content made available beyond its broadcast schedule?
Answer: Via BBC iPlayer, YouTube clips, and broadcasts on KCET in Los Angeles.
Explanation: Newsnight content is available on BBC iPlayer for up to thirty days after broadcast. Excerpts and clips are also distributed via YouTube channels, and a weekly digest version is broadcast by KCET in Los Angeles.
Who composed the signature tune for Newsnight?
Answer: George Fenton
Explanation: The signature tune for Newsnight was composed by George Fenton, with various arrangements used throughout the program's history.
What was the stated reason for dropping the national anthem broadcast at the end of BBC One transmissions in 1997?
Answer: BBC One adopted 24-hour broadcasting, making traditional closedown obsolete.
Explanation: The practice of broadcasting the national anthem at closedown was dropped in 1997 because BBC One adopted 24-hour broadcasting, making traditional closedown obsolete.