As I celebrate a friend’s special birthday tonight, I must confess 
that my thoughts will not be with Jeremy Paxman and his guests from the political and celebrity world who are marking 30 years of Newsnight. I’m recording this on Sky+ to watch later.
It’s a considerable achievement for a programme to remain fresh, relevant and revered over three decades as Newsnight has done.
Among the guests tonight on BBC 2 at 8pm will be Tracey Emin, Jarvis Cocker, Neil Kinnock, and A S Byatt. Not sure if Michael Howard will be there, but the clip of his grilling in 1997 will be one of those highlighted, that’s for sure.
Good to know that doing your job well is rewarded.
It has certainly kept up a standard.
My favourite was when two presenters were reporting from the Berlin Wall as it was taken apart, with chaos and fireworks going on all around, and one turns to the other and says “this is pure Monty Python!”
Hope you have a good time at the party.
No thank you. Why is Tracy Emin trotted out on current affairs progs? I couldn’t be less interested in what she has to say let alone being forced to look at her breasts which seem to always be on show (they were barely contained on HIGNFY). 30 years of news and they’re showcasing an artist (well, an alleged artist), and a pop star. Oh and a special message from ‘Dizzy Rascal’.
Spare me.
I haven’t watched the programme, hope to do so later while I catch up with my ironing.
Pip, I’m not a Tracy Emin fan either, I can’t answer your question.
Well said Philipa , Tracy Emin a complete sudo and all the rest has beens ( in the case of Kinnock thank goodness a never been ! )
Myself I prefer Kirsty Walk to Paxman who appears to think the programme is in the main to perpetuate himself !
As a broadcaster I can tell you that this is a remarkable achievement in today’s fast-paced world. I’m not familiar with the program, however, if you like it then it has to be Classy, Ellee! 🙂
well said Michael.. is has to be classy and off course it should be catchy as it is very helpful to attract the viewers..