Newsnight announces two new appointments

The BBC’s flagship current affairs programme, Newsnight, has today announced two appointments as part of the “ongoing transformation” of the show.

Chris Cook, currently executive comment editor of the Financial Times, joins the programme as policy editor, as David Grossman, currently the show’s political correspondent, becomes technology editor.

Cook, a former economics leader writer and education correspondent on the FT, will report and provide expert analysis across a range of policy areas as well as contributing to the programme’s coverage of Westminster politics.

Grossman, political correspondent since 2002, will chart the effects of the digital revolution in what is described as “wide reaching” role.

“I’m delighted that Chris is joining the Newsnight team,” said Newsnight editor Ian Katz. “He is one of those rare journalists who is both a proven story getter and a brilliant analyst with expert knowledge across a wide range of areas. He is also a formidable data journalist and tireless exploiter of the FOI law.

“I’m also thrilled that David is taking on technology, which will be one of the key areas of focus for the new Newsnight. David is one of the most gifted broadcasters in the BBC and a geek at heart. I’m confident he’ll make Newsnight’s coverage of technology more accessible, entertaining and imaginative than anyone’s.”

David Grossman will take on his new role in January 2014. Chris Cook will start on Newsnight in February 2014.