BBC Three liquidises Liquid News

It has been speculated on since the death of Christopher Price in 2002, but now we know for sure. BBC Three is bringing the axe down on Liquid News.

The entertainment news programme, which grew out of BBC News 24's Zero 30 slot, became a digital phenomenon, mainly due to the attitude the presenter, Christopher Price, brought to the show. These days, hosted by Patrick 'Paddy' O'Connell and Claudia Winkleman, the show has been desperately trying to recapture its former glories, and sadly failing.

On Thursday 13 Nov, BBC Three controller Stuart Murphy pulled the plug on the programme, praising the programme's achievements, but stating that BBC Three was an evolving channel and sometimes, tough decisions had to made.

Whilst it was clear that Liquid News was perhaps having a rough time, I am yet to be convinced that Liquid News was out of time, or indeed had run out of steam. Replacing it in the schedules will be no easy task. This move may also serve another purpose, allowing BBC News 24 to create an entertainment bulletin to fit their channel, and bringing all the information programming under one roof, so to speak. Liquid News will finish in April 2004, it is clear that if any replacement is to be created, it must be done soon.