Newsround Review of 1996
Newsround (originally called John Craven’s Newsround, before his departure in 1989) is a BBC children’s news programme, which has run continuously since 4 April 1972, and was one of the world’s first television news magazines aimed specifically at children. Initially commissioned as a short series by BBC Children’s Department, who held editorial control, its facilities are provided by BBC News. The programme is aimed at 6 to 12-year-olds.
Originally known as John Craven’s Newsround, it was mostly presented by John Craven between 4 April 1972 and 22 June 1989. Originally, stand-in presenters came from main BBC News bulletins, including Richard Whitmore. The programme’s reporter was Lucy Mathen. By the 1980s, the programme had developed its own presentation team including Roger Finn and Helen Rollason with Craven in the dual role of chief presenter and programme editor.
Shortly before Craven’s departure, the show was renamed Newsround, and was now anchored by a rotating team of presenters. Past presenters have included David Bull, Juliet Morris, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Julie Etchingham, Chris Rogers, Kate Sanderson, Matthew Price and Becky Jago. Regular reporters on the programme, who have also presented it, include Paul McDowell, Paul Welsh, Lizo Mzimba and Terry Baddoo.
Newsround was the first British television programme to break the news of the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger on 28 January 1986. This edition was presented by Roger Finn, who had only recently joined the programme.