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HARDtalk | |
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Presented by | Current: Stephen Sackur Zeinab Badawi Sarah Montague Former: Tim Sebastian (1997–2006) |
Theme music composer | David Lowe |
Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language | English |
Production | |
Production locations | Studio TC7,Television Centre (1997–2012) Studio D,Broadcasting House (2012–Present) |
Editor | Lisa Baxter |
Running time | 25 minutes |
Original release | |
Network | |
Release | 31 March 1997 (1997-3-31) – present |
Related | |
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HARDtalk is aBBCtelevision andradio programme broadcast on theBritish andinternational feeds of theBBC News channel, and on theBBC World Service.
Broadcast times and days vary, depending on broadcasting platform andgeographic location.[1][2][3]HARDtalk is also available onBBC iPlayer in the UK only[4] and as a podcast viaBBC 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, along with the tech review showClick. HostStephen Sackur said the news was "depressing" [for the future of in-depth interviews that] "hold to account those who all too often avoid accountability in their own countries".[6] However although no announcement is found to reference, that decision itself may have been cancelled. Both shows continue to be scheduled and aired, their home pages updated -BBC News Click, andBBC News HARDtalk - and can be viewed again on BBC iPlayer.
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]
HARDtalk is predominantlypresented by interviewerStephen Sackur. Other presenters, includeZeinab Badawi andSarah Montague.
Tim Sebastian was the original presenter when the programme launched in March 1997.[8][9]
HARDtalk has interviewed manypublic figures ofhistorical significance, including:
HARDtalk Extra—a series of "interviews with people fromthe arts andculture," predominantly presented byGavin Esler.
Interviewees include:Brenda Blethyn,Robin Gibb,Debbie Harry,Marie Helvin,Grayson Perry,Ian Rankin,Kristin Scott Thomas, andPatrick Swayze.[36][37]
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 byRob Bonnet, include:Nicola Adams,Roger Bannister,Jonah Lomu,David Rudisha, andMurray Walker.[38][39]