Until 2017, Esler was the main presenter of "Dateline London" on BBC News and BBC World News most Sunday mornings at 11 am. Between 2008 and 2017, he also presented the "BBC News at Five" on the BBC News channel on Fridays and when Huw Edwards was away. Esler has also hosted BBC Radio 4 factual series "Four Corners" along with fellow Scottish broadcaster Anne MacKenzie. He had a regular slot on Saturdays and Sundays, working across BBC World, BBC News and BBC One, and co-presented the regular "Film Review" with Mark Kermode.