GEOFF Clark, the former Meridian news presenter, makes his BBC debut tonight in a move that Auntie hopes will bridge the ratings gap with its commercial rival.

At 6.30pm, the experienced 58-year old broadcaster will co-host BBC South East Today for the first time.

BBC bosses are convinced that Clark’s popular touch will pull in viewers who until now have remained loyal to Meridian Tonight.

They believe that by luring Clark, who has previously worked for TV-AM and Sky, they have a trump card in their fierce ratings battle with Meridian at a time when the commercial broadcaster is cutting jobs.

Meridian’s plan to switch news presentation from New Hythe, near Maidstone, to studios in Fareham, Hampshire, was the main reason for Clark’s decision to jump ship after 12 years.

Although Meridian is opening a new studio in Maidstone next month he fears that the local touch will disappear.

He also believes that regional programmes and their staff have to be rooted in the region they serve. “If you’re talking about a region you need to be in it,” he said.

“As a presenter, I was going to have to be moved down to Hampshire and some of the production team was going to be moved down there and I just think that’s silly.

“I wanted to stay in the region and I didn’t have that option with Meridian. I don’t want to be disloyal to Meridian because I’ve had the best part of 12 years there. The vast majority of the time, I’ve been really happy there and it’s been a really good company.

“But when the BBC were talking to me about the possibility of me being with them and outlining their plans, it just seemed the place to be.”

Clark admitted that he was a bit nervous ahead of tonight's debut. “I’m really excited and just want to get going. But there will be nerves on Wednesday and I’d be worried if there weren’t.”

Quentin Smith, editor of BBC South East Today, said Geoff would bring a warmth and friendliness to the programme that would boost ratings.

“I wouldn’t call it a war,” he said, “but I would be hopeful that with us really concentrating on Kent and East Sussex and producing a good programme for the region, we will be able to do that. Geoff is the sort of presenter the viewers want.”

Giles Dilnot, the former presenter of BBC South East Today, is moving to general news. Meridian has yet to name Clark’s successor at Meridian Tonight.