Nicholas Wattis a journalist. In 2016, he becamepolitical editorof theBBC'sNewsnight.
Nicholas Watt | |
|---|---|
 Watt (centre) chairs a discussion ofBrexit,2016 | |
| Education | King's College School |
| Alma mater | University of York University of Wales, Cardiff |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Employer | BBC |
| Known for | Newsnight |
Early life
editWatt attendedKing's College SchoolinWimbledonbefore studying History at theUniversity of Yorkbetween 1986 and 1989, going on to study for apostgraduate diplomain Journalism Studies at theUniversity of Walesbetween 1989 and 1990.[1][better source needed]
Career
editWatt began his career as a political reporter based inBelfastworking forThe Timesas Ireland Correspondent, covering the initial stages of thepeace process.[2][3]
In 1997, he was based in London following his appointment as political correspondent forThe Times,[3]before joiningThe Guardiana year later where he worked as European editor and chief political correspondent.[2][3]Between 2007 and 2008, he was the acting political editor ofThe Observer.[3]
In 2012, he appeared onPress Gazette's list of the 'top 50 political reporters', at number 14.[4]
In 2016, Watt leftThe Guardianto become political editor ofNewsnightonBBC Two,replacingAllegra Stratton.[2]The editor ofNewsnightat the time was also a formerGuardianemployee,Ian Katz,who said that Watt was "one of the most trusted, authoritative and engaging journalists in the country. With a background in Northern Ireland, Europe and Westminster he's also uniquely equipped to guide viewers through an increasingly fractured and complex political landscape." A number of BBC journalists were reported to be "annoyed" with the director of BBC News,James Harding,appointing figures with backgrounds in the newspaper industry, including Watt, to BBC posts.[5]
In March 2019, he recounted a comment with strong language made by an anonymous cabinet minister underTheresa May.[6]
In June 2021, Watt was harassed during aCOVID-19 anti-lockdown demonstrationoutside Downing Street. Footage of his treatment was widely shared on social media and condemned byBoris Johnsonand Home SecretaryPriti Patel.[7]
References
edit- ^"Nicholas Watt".linkedin.com.Retrieved20 June2017.
- ^abcJackson, Jasper (23 March 2016)."BBC2's Newsnight hires Guardian's Nick Watt to replace Allegra Stratton".The Guardian.Retrieved20 June2017.
- ^abcd"BBC Newsnight appoints Nick Watt as new Political Editor – Media Centre".BBC Media Centre. 23 March 2016.Retrieved20 June2017.
- ^"Press Gazette's top 50 political reporters".Press Gazette.27 September 2012.Retrieved6 December2019.
- ^Ponsford, Dominic (23 March 2016)."Guardian's Nicholas Watt is named as Newsnight political editor".Press Gazette.Retrieved6 December2019.
- ^Logue, Patrick (29 March 2019)."Why is Theresa May having another Brexit vote? 'F**k knows, I'm past caring'".The Irish Times.Retrieved6 December2019.
- ^"Boris Johnson condemns 'disgraceful hounding' of BBC journalist".BBC News.15 June 2021.Retrieved16 June2021.
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