BBC World Service fury as The Interview is axed

World Service radio will now only have one long-form interview, HARDtalk, which also airs on TV. Oliver, who recently moved to World Service from BBC TV News, says it is part of a strategy of "reducing the number of brands" and making them "multi-platform propositions".

But some insiders claim it is as much about cost-cutting and World Service staff moving from Bush House for smaller offices in Broadcasting House. "As a TV man, Oliver appears to be favouring a TV programme on radio compared to an intimate interview programme made for radio," I'm told. World Service, which is funded by Government, is under pressure to make drastic cuts and it is rumoured some foreign-language services, including Burmese, may be axed.

There is also fresh evidence of a major rift among BBC bosses over plans to slash the benefits of the final salary pension scheme.

Chairman of the BBC Pension Trustees Jeremy Peat has taken the surprising step of going on the record to accuse Beeb finance director Zarin Patel and director-general Mark Thompson of steamrolling the changes. "Patel said that the BBC had kept the trustees informed all the way through," writes Peat to BBC newspaper Ariel. "Staff could have taken that to mean that the trustees were, at an early stage, aware of the proposed changes and were consulted. They were not."

Strong stuff from a venerable, patrician figure like Peat. With strike action planned, this row looks far from over.

KEN TUNES IN TO TORIES

Assuming Ken Livingstone wins the Labour Mayoral nomination on Friday, will he keep his weekly LBC radio show? Answer: Yes, he will. But he has had to accept a Tory counterweight — David Mellor has been lined up to co-present.

SCRAMBLE FOR SEATS AT LIB-DEM CONFERENCE

This year's Lib-Dem conference was treated to an unusual sight — a host of visiting national newspaper editors. Many had not bothered with the third party during its years of opposition. Editors are used to supping with cabinet ministers at conference, so there was a scramble for arrangements as only five Lib-Dems are in cabinet.

LEWIS GOES FOR THE HIGH GROUND

Radio 4's Moneybox presenter Paul Lewis may come across as gentle, but don't be fooled. After grilling Inland Revenue boss Dave Hartnett, who refused to say sorry for tax blunders and later had to apologise, Lewis conducted another robust interview last weekend with controversial debt company Beneficial Claims. The spokesman gave as good as he got, blasting Lewis and personal finance experts such as MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis (no relation). The Radio 4 man shot back: "He's not a journalist." Ouch.

HEFFER'S CHAMPAGNE JOB

Simon Heffer, Daily Telegraph columnist and king of the grammar police, has a new gig as a columnist on Le Connexion, the English-language newspaper of the Côte d'Azur. Since Le Connexion isn't blessed with unlimited funds, it will pay him in Pol Roger champagne. Just don't expect the bubbly to have a mellowing effect on Heffer's next irate memo about grammar in the Telegraph.

DEFENDING LIKE A FAT DUCK

A day after going to court to sue Fat Duck chef Heston Blumenthal for food poisoning, ex-ITV sports presenter Jim Rosenthal made his debut as Channel 5's football host. So well done to fellow commentator and ex-Scots international Pat Nevin, who couldn't resist saying of one player: "He's finding very, very good space. Having said that, the defending is as bad as a dodgy plate of oysters from a posh restaurant." Rosenthal chuckled: "I thought you might do that."