Jeremy Paxman: Twitter is for people with nothing going on in their lives | Media Monkey
Is Jeremy Paxman about to join Channel 4? The BBC presenter, who fronted his final Newsnight on Wednesday night, did little to scotch the rumours in a cosy interview with Jon Snow for Channel 4 News. Snow began the package by singing a pay tribute song titled Paxo Don’t Go in the BBC foyer, backed by a folky band.
The C4 News veteran then went on to question his rival in a gentle chat that neither seemed to be taking entirely seriously. Asked why he was leaving Newsnight, Paxman said: “I don’t want to get to the point ... where people are sitting around the office saying, ‘I wonder whether that old bugger’s going to get the wrong end of the stick tonight.'” He was evasive about what he would do next, refusing to comment on speculation that he is "up to something" – such as joining Channel 4. He described C4 as "the home of crackpot conspiracy theories", but said he would "aspire" to work there and there might be a vacancy as "the presenter is very ancient". "Who knows?" he said repeatedly. Looking round at the BBC's New Broadcasting House, he said: "I hate this place … I’m not a great advocate of this place." But he admitted: "I love the institution … it's a noble ambition and enterprise."
Snow then goaded Paxman by asking why he wasn't on Twitter. Paxo said witheringly: "Twitter? This is an activity for people who have got nothing going on in between their ears, or nothing going on in their lives. I don’t want to lead anyone anywhere. I want to find things out. I have no thoughts that I want to share with people ... I don’t want people to follow me." Knowing how contrary Paxman can be, expect him to turn up fronting a digital venture on Channel 4 sometime soon.