Since the suspension of Huw Edwards in July 2023, the programme has been without a fixed presenter schedule, and has been fronted by Fiona Bruce, Sophie Raworth, Reeta Chakrabarti, Clive Myrie and Jane Hill.

On 4 February 2019, in order to accommodate a new time slot focusing on youth programmes from BBC Three, the shortened format was adopted on a nightly basis.

The programme was re-extended during the 2019 general election and during part of the COVID-19 pandemic it was extended back to its 45-minute format, with Newsnight moving to 10:45 pm on BBC Two.

However, during special occasions or major stories such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the programme is simulcast on the international feed,[2] carrying BBC News at Ten branding and title sequence, although listed on the guide as simply BBC News.

The move to 10:00 pm was a response to the controversial axing of rival broadcaster ITV's News at Ten.

ITV reinstated a 20-minute news bulletin at 10:00 pm on 22 January 2001, instigating a head-to-head clash with the BBC.

Buerk and Sissons left the BBC Ten O'Clock News on 19 January 2003 to make way for presenters Huw Edwards and Fiona Bruce.

On 21 April 2008, the programme, along with the rest of BBC News, underwent a graphical refresh and moved into a refurbished studio (N6).

[4] Following a five-month trial during the run-up to the 2015 general election, it was announced that the programme would be permanently extended to 45 minutes on Mondays through Thursdays from January 2016 (with the Friday-night edition retaining its original length to accommodate The Graham Norton Show).

[5] Following 16 years in the role, on 4 January 2019, Bruce stepped down as the programme's main presenter on Fridays in order to replace David Dimbleby on Question Time.

On 10 October 2018, due to technical problems at the Broadcasting House, Huw Edwards presented at BBC Millbank Studios.

He became editor on 22 July 2013, replacing James Stephenson who became Head of BBC World News.