 | This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (November 2021) |
| HARDtalk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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 (2012–2025) |
| Editor | Lisa Baxter |
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | |
| Release | 31 March 1997 – 26 March 2025 |
| Related | |
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HARDtalk is a BBC television and radio programme which was broadcast on the British and international feeds of the BBC News channel, and on the BBC World Service, from 31 March 1997 to 26 March 2025.
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, along with the tech review show Click. Host Stephen 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] The programme aired its final episode on television on 26 March 2025[7] while its last radio episode was aired two days later on 28 March.[8] The radio version was succeeded by a similar programme titled The Interview.
HARDtalk provided "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."[9]
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Tim Sebastian was the original presenter of HARDtalk when the programme launched in March 1997.[10] He hosted the show till March 2007.[11] From 2007 until its cancellation, HARDtalk was predominantly presented by interviewer Stephen Sackur, who joined in 2006. Other presenters included Zeinab Badawi and Sarah Montague.[10][12]
HARDtalk has interviewed many public figures of historical significance, including:
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.[39][40]
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.[41][42]
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