War of words between ITV and BBC escalates as Tom Bradby likens rivals to ‘Imperial Rome’
ITN News presenter Tom Bradby, face of ITV’s flagship News at Ten programme, has escalated a war of words against schedule compatriots at the BBC’s own 10’O’Clock News by likening the public service broadcaster to ‘Imperial Rome’.
The spat erupted after both broadcasters went to loggerheads over the flagship news window in the schedules following ITV’s recent re-launch of its News at Ten show, which was derided by presenter Huw Edwards for attracting just 2m viewers on Monday night.
Writing in the Sunday Time Bradby said: “BBC News has grown into a behemoth this last 15 years, with as much power and sway over the industry as imperial Rome once enjoyed.
“Wanting to beat your competition is one thing, but wanting to put them out of business is another matter altogether.”
In a blow to the BBC however ITV recently persuaded their nasal economics editor Robert Peston to switch sides, a move Bradby compared to ‘signing footballer Lionel Messi.’
ITV relinquished the prize 10pm slot to the BBC, which had previously broadcast its main evening news bulletin at nine, back in 1999 – but reinstated it in 2008.