BBC World News to sport a fresh look; renews focus on Asia Pacific

The news channel is making changes to its programming from February 1

From February 1, BBC World News will don a new look. Soon, it will also introduce a new schedule and a new weekend line up. Six new programmes will also be launched on the channel catering to regional audiences.

The exercise aims to sharpen the focus of the channel in the regional markets. The new properties include GMT with George Alagiah, where he will communicate how the top stories impact the viewers in the Asia Pacific region and analyse their implications.

Impact Asia with Mishal Husain will bring audiences a mix of breaking news, debate and analysis directly affecting the Asia Pacific region, with a global perspective. The Hub with Nik Gowing will serve as the news 'nerve centre' for South Asia. He will provide detailed analysis of the global news agenda, providing local viewers an insight into the top stories of the day.

World News Today with Zeinab Badawi will cater to European viewers looking for greater depth to the daily coverage. This show will focus on news in Europe, West Asia and Africa, providing a context and understanding to the day's events.

On the business front, there will be Business Edition with Tanya Beckett, which will examine the inner workings of business, simplifying complex financial stories to give viewers a clearer understanding of the global economy and the impact of the incidences on their lives.

Among other programmes, Asia Today from its Singapore news studio will focus on the stories behind the headlines, while another weekly show will feature the untold stories in the pipeline.

Viewers will be able to interact with the presenters via a dedicated Facebook page, programme pages on bbc.com/news, on Twitter, via the BBC's Global Minds community and other social media platforms.

BBC World News' new weekend schedule will feature a mix of topical documentary, current affairs, lifestyle and travel programmes. About the new editorial agenda, Richard Porter, editorial director, BBC World News, says, "By realigning news for weekdays and topical programmes at the weekends, we can provide viewers with wide ranging content."

Andrew Roy, head, news, BBC World News, says, "The reviewed output is based on the audience expectations and desires. We want to strengthen the link between the viewers and world news, bringing relevant news to key regional markets with a local connect."