A
joint statement from the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and Robert Kilroy-Silk
Robert
Kilroy-Silk is to step down as presenter of his daily topical discussion
programme after 17 years in the role.
Announcing
his decision, Robert Kilroy-Silk said: "I believe this is the
right moment to leave the programme and concentrate my energies
in other directions.
"I
will continue to lead the Kilroy Television Company Ltd and in addition
to our existing commitments to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, we will be bringing new
ideas and programmes to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and other broadcasters.
"I
have been overwhelmed by the support from the general public, and
I continue to believe that it is my right to express my views, however
uncomfortable they may be.
"However,
I recognise the difficulties this has caused the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, and I believe
my decision is the right way to resolve the situation."
Jana
Bennett, Director of Television, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, said: "For 17 years,
Robert Kilroy-Silk has been a major figure in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ daytime television,
and he has created a successful production company.
"As
presenter of Kilroy, no subject has been taboo, and he has ensured
that ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Daytime viewers were better informed on almost every subject
that affected their daily lives.
"He
has done so with authority and style, and his programme is one that
many have tried to emulate.
"We
are very grateful to Robert for his contribution over the years,
and we look forward to building on his achievements with the programme
and wish to continue to work with Robert in other on-screen roles.
He
remains a substantial force in the media industry.
"I
would like to say that this has never been about freedom of speech.
Presenters of this kind of programme have a responsibility to uphold
the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s impartiality.
"This
does not mean that people who express highly controversial views
are not welcome on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ but they cannot be presenters of a news,
current affairs or topical discussion programme."
The
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ is working towards a new version of the topical discussion programme
returning to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ ONE in the next few weeks.
The
programme, which will continue to be produced by the team at the
Kilroy Television Company Ltd, will be presented by a number of
guest presenters for the remainder of the present series.
The
Kilroy Television Company Ltd looks forward to working with the
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ on an ongoing basis as one of its principal suppliers in the
production of the programme.
Robert
Kilroy-Silk has presented Kilroy since it was first broadcast as
Day to Day in November 1986, becoming Kilroy in 1987.
Fifteen
series have been produced independently by the Kilroy Television
Company Ltd for the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½.
Notes
to Editors
Further
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ press statement on Kilroy/Sunday Express article (13.01.04)
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
press statement on Kilroy/Sunday Express article (09.01.04)
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