Evan Davis to replace Eddie Mair as host of Radio 4’s PM programme
The openly gay journalist will be taking over the role later this autumn
By Steve Brown
Evan Davis has replaced Eddie Mair as the host of Radio 4’s PM programme.
The openly gay journalist took over from Jeremy Paxman as the host of Newsnight in 2014 and now, Davis is moving to the radio slot after Mair announced he was leaving the BBC to join LBC.
Speaking about his new role, Davis said: “Having survived several years of people saying, ‘You’re not as good as Jeremy Paxman’, I now look forward to people saying, ‘You’re not as good as Eddie Mair’.
“I would have loved to stay longer at Newsnight and will miss the team who’ve been fantastic, but PM is presenter heaven and jobs like this don’t come along very often, and you have to grab them when you can.”
Davis is reportedly set to take on the new role later this autumn and Emily Matilis is understood to be the frontrunner to take over his role on Newsnight.
Gwyneth Williams, Controller of Radio 4, said: “PM has a special place in the lives of Radio 4 listeners and each week millions tune in to its unique blend of news and current affairs.
“I am sure that this discriminating audience will be delighted that Evan will be bringing his experience, intelligence and wit back to Radio 4’s daily news programmes as he takes the helm at PM.
“Personally I very much welcome his returning voice as, day by day, Radio 4 tries to reflect a fast-changing world for our listeners.”
Fran Unsworth, BBC Director of News and Current Affairs, added: “Evan is a brilliant journalist whose warmth and individuality make him the ideal presenter for PM.”