Chris Mason appointed BBC News' Political Editor

[boddington]

A really good choice. Glad it's been confirmed.

[scottishtv]

I agree with the others. I listen to Newscast a couple of times a week and I do find when Chris is on he's asking the questions I want answered.

Whilst amiable, he also doesn't tend to slip into that chummy tone with "friend of the show" contributors that others sometimes do - which I tend to find off-putting, and can prevent tough questions being put to the guest.

[Jeff]

An excellent appointment - very pleased they have gone for Chris. He has such an accessible way of reporting and it's also notable I think how much praise and positivity there is about the appointment among colleagues and competitors since the announcement.

What you’ve touched upon (the bit I’ve highlighted in bold) is really important considering every Political Editor has their own style/approach that they bring to the role. Feel like the way Mason is a political geek (those who’ve listed to Brexitcast/Newscast will get that I say that as a compliment) yet has the ability to clearly explain/analyse political developments will serve viewers well. It’ll also be a significant shift from ‘inside Westminster’ gossip approach Kuenssberg had.

[Steve in Pudsey]

That's a curveball, I thought Chris had stated that he hadn't put his hat into the ring? Sounds like a very positive appointment, a great broadcaster who I don't believe has managed to upset anybody or attracted any credible claims of bias.

[neonemesis]

That's a curveball, I thought Chris had stated that he hadn't put his hat into the ring? Sounds like a very positive appointment, a great broadcaster who I don't believe has managed to upset anybody or attracted any credible claims of bias.

I'm sure they will come. And I am equally sure that they will be unwarranted when they do.

[scottishtv]

That's a curveball, I thought Chris had stated that he hadn't put his hat into the ring?

According to The Times:

[Mason] had been in talks with rival broadcasters, including Times Radio, at the time the BBC asked if he would reconsider applying.

The 41-year-old Yorkshireman initially ruled himself out of the running but was convinced to apply after the BBC went back to the drawing board with its search. He fended off late competition from Adam Fleming, a close friend and host of the [i]Newscast podcast, after interviews this week.[/i]


That said, they previously reported that Jon Sopel was certain to get it, so maybe a pinch of salt is required on the bit about talking to rivals?!

[Cusack]

That's a curveball, I thought Chris had stated that he hadn't put his hat into the ring?

According to The Times:

[Mason] had been in talks with rival broadcasters, including Times Radio, at the time the BBC asked if he would reconsider applying.

The 41-year-old Yorkshireman initially ruled himself out of the running but was convinced to apply after the BBC went back to the drawing board with its search. He fended off late competition from Adam Fleming, a close friend and host of the [i]Newscast podcast, after interviews this week.[/i]


That said, they previously reported that Jon Sopel was certain to get it, so maybe a pinch of salt is required on the bit about talking to rivals?!

Considering what has been happening to BBC News presenters over the last few years going to commercial competitors, I would be highly surprised if at some point Chris has been at least having low key chats with Times Radio and the like.

I think you're right with regards the expectation of Jon Sopel getting the role so Mason ruled himself out of the running at the ouset but obviously things changed.

I would say however hat the process has been very badly handled by the BBC if we are to believe the stories of a all female shortlist being rejected and the reopening of the process.

[bkman1990]

Well that is some bit of great news. Well done Chris. He is a terrific broadcaster & journalist for the BBC. I hope he has a great time with the role.

[Rolling News]

Very well deserved. He will sure be superb.

[Quantum+83]

I'm so glad Chris Mason got the role. This was a great decision!