02/02/2022
In a significant shift for the UK's political broadcasting landscape, veteran journalist and broadcaster John Pienaar has announced his departure from the BBC after an impressive 28-year tenure. Pienaar, a familiar voice to many, is set to take on a new role as the Drive Time presenter for the soon-to-be-launched Times Radio. This move marks a new chapter for both the broadcaster and the emerging radio station, which is backed by Rupert Murdoch's News UK.
A Distinguished Career at the BBC
John Pienaar's journey with the BBC began in 1992, where he quickly established himself as a formidable presence on the political beat. Over the years, he has served as the corporation's deputy political editor and has been the voice behind "Pienaar's Politics" on Radio 5 Live. His extensive experience spans a "full range of BBC news and current affairs programmes," showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of political reporting. Before his long stint at the BBC, Pienaar also contributed his journalistic talents to The Independent and the Press Association news agency, having started his career at the South London Press.
His appointment to his current role in 2016 was met with high praise. Jonathan Munro, his superior at the time, described Pienaar as "a political animal to his fingertips, a great storyteller and supreme broadcaster." This sentiment highlights the respect and admiration Pienaar commands within the industry.
Times Radio: A New Contender
The launch of Times Radio represents a significant investment by News UK, aiming to combine the acclaimed journalism of The Times and The Sunday Times with the broadcasting expertise of Wireless, the company behind talkRADIO, which News UK acquired in 2016. The new station is poised to broadcast across the UK via digital radio and online platforms, promising a fresh perspective on news and current affairs. Pienaar's appointment as the Drive Time presenter is a strategic move, bringing a seasoned broadcaster with a proven track record to a key slot on the new network.
Context of the BBC Departure
Pienaar's high-profile departure comes at a time of considerable discussion and potential change surrounding the BBC. The UK government, led by Boris Johnson, has indicated its intention to review the funding model of the public broadcaster. Reports suggesting the potential scrapping of the licence fee and a transition to a subscription-based, Netflix-style model have sparked debate among MPs and the public alike.
Some Conservative MPs have voiced strong opinions on the matter. Damian Green labelled such a move as "cultural vandalism," while Huw Merriman, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on the BBC, stated that the corporation "should not be a target." Currently, the government is consulting on whether the decriminalisation of non-payment of the licence fee should be pursued. These ongoing discussions create a backdrop of uncertainty for the BBC, making Pienaar's move to a new, privately funded venture all the more noteworthy.
BBC's Spending on Cancelled Travel
Beyond the personal career moves, recent revelations have shed light on the BBC's operational expenditures, specifically concerning cancelled travel bookings. Over the past five years, the Corporation has admitted to being unable to claim refunds for a significant number of cancelled bookings, including 4,684 train tickets, 565 hotel rooms, and 1,226 taxi trips.
The financial impact of these abandoned journeys is substantial. Aborted train trips alone cost the BBC an estimated £233,000. Cancelled hotel reservations added another £61,500 to the total bill, while the unutilised taxi journeys amounted to £18,000. In essence, the BBC has been spending over £5,000 every month on transport and accommodation that ultimately went unused.
Average Costs of Unused Bookings:
The figures reveal the average cost associated with each type of cancelled booking:
- Unused Taxis: £15 per journey
- Cancelled Train Tickets: approximately £50 each
- Unused Hotel Rooms: an average of £100 each
BBC's Explanation for Cancellations
The BBC has provided explanations for these expenditures, stating that it actively works to minimise cancelled bookings. For unused flight tickets, the booking agent, American Express, is reported to automatically process refunds.
Regarding taxi fares, the BBC notes that all fares include an initial 10-minute waiting time. This buffer is intended to allow passengers who are running late to still make their booked cab. On the subject of train fares, the broadcaster explains that while many uncollected tickets are refunded, cheaper "advance" fares are typically non-refundable, contributing to the overall cost of cancellations.
Comparison of Travel Costs
To provide a clearer picture of the financial impact, let's compare the costs over the five-year period:
| Type of Booking | Number Cancelled | Total Cost of Cancellations | Average Cost Per Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train Tickets | 4,684 | £233,000 | ~£50 |
| Hotel Rooms | 565 | £61,500 | ~£100 |
| Taxi Trips | 1,226 | £18,000 | ~£15 |
| Total | 6,475 | £312,500 | ~£48.24 (Overall Average) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Pienaar?
John Pienaar is a well-known political broadcaster who has worked for the BBC for 28 years. He is known for his show "Pienaar's Politics" on Radio 5 Live and is leaving the BBC to become the Drive Time presenter for the new Times Radio.
Why is John Pienaar leaving the BBC?
John Pienaar announced his departure to join the new Times Radio as its Drive Time presenter. He stated this in a personal tweet, signalling a move to a new broadcasting venture.
What is Times Radio?
Times Radio is a new radio station being launched by News UK, the company behind The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers. It aims to combine the journalism of these publications with broadcasting expertise.
How much has the BBC wasted on taxi tickets?
Over the last five years, the BBC admitted to wasting £18,000 on abandoned taxi journeys that could not be refunded. This averages out to approximately £15 per unused cab journey.
What other travel has the BBC wasted money on?
In addition to taxi trips, the BBC has also incurred costs from cancelled train tickets (£233,000) and hotel rooms (£61,500) over the same five-year period, bringing the total wasted on unutilised transport and accommodation to over £312,500.
The departure of a prominent figure like John Pienaar from the BBC, coupled with the ongoing discussions about the broadcaster's future funding, adds an interesting dimension to the current media landscape. His move to Times Radio signifies the growing competition and evolution within the UK's radio sector.
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