BBC axes Frost in search for fear factor

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Apr 25, 2004 | by James Cusick

"Hello, good morning and goodbye." These are the words from Sir David Frost that the BBC has been putting off broadcasting for years. But now after informing Frost that his Breakfast With Frost contract won't be renewed next year, the battle is on to find the BBC's number one political inquisitor.

Frost joined the BBC 11 years ago after Frost On Sunday at the now defunct TV-am came to an end. While still the BBC's flagship political interview show, and the main broadcast vehicle for leading politicians to deliver their big messages, Frost's reputation as a fearless cross-examiner has faded in recent years.

One BBC insider said: "Breakfast With Frost still regularly delivers the big names at crucial political moments. But the programme is no longer feared."

GMTV's Sunday programme, presented by The Independent's political commentator, Steve Richards, is regarded as a tougher prospect for politicians. One government adviser said: "Frost is about presentation. Richards is about substance. Let's just say you need to be more awake if the questions are coming from Steve Richards."

Although the BBC would not confirm the contractual decision to effectively retire the 65-year-old legend from front-line political broadcasting, rumours are rife inside the corporation of the search for his replacement.

If the BBC genuinely wants an abrasive Rottweiler to re-establish a political slot which puts the fear of God back into the political interview, then Newsnight's Jeremy Paxman will be its number one choice.

However, one BBC insider said: "Paxman is Newsnight. Take Jeremy out of that slot and you create another problem. But ultimately the choice may be his. The Sunday morning slot has traditionally been high profile and it could take Paxman's career to another level."

But the Frost format historically requires both a heavy and a light touch with TV and media personalities kicking off the programme. The BBC may feel Paxman is too branded as a heavyweight to retain this style.

Today show presenter Sarah Montague and BBC political editor Andrew Marr have also been suggested for the post. But an insider added: "This is what's unique about Sir David - he's a legend with a worldwide reputation. It's not going to be easy to replace him, simply because there's nobody quite like him."