Widely regarded as the newsreader with the most credibility and gravitas, Waley worked largely in the studio until 1994 when it was suggested he should report from the field for the Sunday program.
On several occasions every year, Waley would host the Sunday program from major world events, including elections in the United States and Russia, conflicts in the Balkans and the Middle East, and the British Hong Kong handover to China in 1997.
Other foreign assignments included Waley's coverage from Sarajevo in 1998 and reporting breaking news in Washington of the growing political storm engulfing US President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.
Waley also went on assignment to Nepal and the United States to profile the inspirational Tom Whittaker who, despite having an artificial leg, climbed to the top of Mount Everest.
[10] After the axing of the Clive Robertson late night news program in 1992, Waley moved into the timeslot and hosted The World Tonight.