John Pienaar, BBC Radio Five Live’s Chief Political Correspondent, and Lesley Ashmall, who has made a name as a roving reporter on Five Live, will be the new presenters of the network’s Weekend News.
The new partnership will join Weekend News – Saturdays and Sundays at 8.00pm – on Saturday 22 April.
John Pienaar retains his role as Chief Political Correspondent covering Westminster.
He brings his wealth of experience and contacts in British and world politics to the Weekend News format which promises hard-hitting showpiece interviews and the best of political insight.
Lesley Ashmall has reported from all over the world for Five Live on stories including Hurricane Katrina, the South Asian Tsunami and the Middle East.
She will combine her reporting duties across the station in addition to her new role.
John Pienaar said: “I’m really looking forward to my new role. Weekend News is a perfect place to plug into the best stories around before the morning papers hit the news-stands.
“Politics will be an important part of the show, but I’ll also be moving away from my Westminster home turf.
“I’ll enjoy teaming-up with Lesley and I’m sure listeners will like it too.”
Bob Shennan, Controller of Five Live, said: “John and Lesley are both outstanding journalists in their own field and will complement each other perfectly.
“John’s experience on the political scene will enhance the political journalism of Weekend News.”