HARDtalk

HARDtalk
Presented byCurrent:
Stephen Sackur
Zeinab Badawi
Sarah Montague
Former:
Tim Sebastian
(1997–2006)
Theme music composerDavid Lowe
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
Production locationsStudio TC7, Television Centre (1997–2012)

Studio D, Broadcasting House (2012–)
EditorLisa Baxter
Running time25 minutes
Original release
Network
Release31 March 1997 (1997-03-31) –
present
Related
  • Hardtalk Extra
  • Hardtalk Extra Time

HARDtalk is a BBC television and radio programme broadcast on the UK feed of BBC News channel, on International feed of BBC News channel, and on the BBC World Service.

Broadcast times and days vary, depending on broadcasting platform and geographic location. HARDtalk is also available on BBC iPlayer and as a podcast via BBC Sounds.

Format

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."

Presenters and interviewees

Presenters

HARDtalk is predominantly presented by interviewer Stephen Sackur. Other presenters, include Zeinab Badawi and Sarah Montague.

Tim Sebastian was the original presenter when the programme launched in March 1997.

Selected interviewees

HARDtalk has interviewed many public figures of historical significance, including:

Criticism

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention criticized HARDtalk anchor Stephen Sackur for suggesting genocide as one of two "realistic options" for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh during an interview with Ruben Vardanyan. Sackur had suggested the Armenians of the Republic of Artsakh either accept "a political deal or leave" due to the 2022–2023 blockade of the Republic of Artsakh. According to Lemkin Institute, Sackur had blamed the victims for the blockade: "Artsakh is under blockade not because of the genocidal designs of Azerbaijan, but because of some inexplicable stubbornness on the part of Armenians in Artsakh or their leaders – or both, as he seems to believe". Lemkin Institute further criticized Sackur for trying to suggest the word Artsakh (the historical Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh) was illegitimate and for ignoring the rights of self-determination.

Spin-offs

HARDtalk Extra

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.

HARDtalk Extra Time

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.


This page was last updated at 2023-12-30 17:43 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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