HARDtalk explained

HARDtalk is a BBC television and radio programme broadcast on the British and international feeds of the BBC News channel, and on the BBC World Service.

Broadcast times and days vary, depending on broadcasting platform and geographic location.^{[1] [2] [3]} HARDtalk is also available on BBC iPlayer in the UK only^[4] and as a podcast via BBC Sounds.^[5]

On 15 October 2024, the BBC announced that as part of a series of cuts to its news department, HARDtalk would no longer be broadcast. Host Stephen Sackur said the news was "depressing, for the BBC and all who believe in the importance of independent, rigorous deeply-researched journalism."^[6]

Format

HARDtalk provides "in-depth interviews with hard-hitting questions and sensitive topics being covered as famous personalities from all walks of life talk about the highs and lows in their lives."^[7]

Presenters and interviewees

Presenters

HARDtalk is predominantly presented by interviewer Stephen Sackur. Other presenters, include Zeinab Badawi and Sarah Montague.

Tim Sebastian was the original presenter when the programme launched in March 1997.^{[8] [9]}

Selected interviewees

HARDtalk has interviewed many public figures of historical significance, including:

Spin-offs

HARDtalk Extra

HARDtalk Extra—a series of "interviews with people from the arts and culture," predominantly presented by Gavin Esler.

Interviewees include: Brenda Blethyn, Robin Gibb, Debbie Harry, Marie Helvin, Grayson Perry, Ian Rankin, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Patrick Swayze.^{[10] [11]}

HARDtalk Extra Time

HARDtalk Extra Time—a spin-off of "in-depth interviews with the athletes, coaches, and power brokers in the world of sport."

Among those interviewed by Rob Bonnet, include: Nicola Adams, Roger Bannister, Jonah Lomu, David Rudisha, and Murray Walker.^{[12] [13]}

External links

• • HARDTalk website via the BBC World Service
• Web site: Two Decades of HARDtalking.
• Web site: Meet Stephen Sackur.

Notes and References

1. Web site: HARDtalk on the BBC News Channel. BBC.
2. Web site: HARDtalk on BBC World News. BBC.
3. Web site: HARDtalk on BBC World Service. BBC.
4. Web site: HARDtalk available on BBC iPlayer. BBC.
5. Web site: HARDtalk program website via the BBC World Service. BBC.
6. Web site: BBC News job losses aim to save £24m. BBC.
7. Web site: HARDtalk format. BBC.
8. Web site: Meet Stephen Sackur – the world famous interviewer who's tougher than Paxman. Martin. Fletcher. Radio Times. 3 April 2017.
9. Web site: Two Decades of HARDtalking - BBC'S flagship interview programme celebrates 20th anniversary. Media Centre. BBC. 22 March 2017.
10. Web site: About HARDtalk Extra. bbc.co.uk . BBC.
11. Web site: HARDtalk Extra episodes . bbc.co.uk . BBC.
12. Web site: About HARDtalk Extra Time. bbc.co.uk . BBC.
13. Web site: HARDtalk Extra Time episodes. bbc.co.uk . BBC.