'Newsnight' launched a new look on Monday June 24 2002.

Speaking about the changes, editor George Entwistle said: "After several years excellent service, Newsnight's existing set was starting to creak a bit. We have produced a striking and technologically innovative space that's a real step forward.

"Our aim was to create a discreet, modern and welcoming look which would enhance our journalism and interviews. I'm very pleased with the outcome."

The 'Newsnight' set designer was asked to come up with a set that was contemporary, dynamic, warm, engaging and clutter free, and which had a synergy with the BBC News brand identity.

The designer, Chris Webster, also had to come up with a design that could be put into the studio each day and then dismantled again every night. The studio was shared with several other programmes including 'Breakfast News'.

What he came up with was a circular set that had three big screens, that were used for displaying graphics or guests interviewed from other studios. The desk, also a circle, was modular and could be broken down into smaller sections if required.

The set was lit by lights built into the set which could be turned any colour at the touch of a button in the control room. During the programme you could see these lights changing colour subtly.

Martin Lambie-Nairn, creative director Lambie-Nairn, who oversaw the changes, said: "The brief for the project required us to identify 'Newsnight' as part of the BBC News family whilst reflecting the individual qualities of this famous programme.

"The solution includes the BBC News circular motifs which form the basis of the set, giving the programme a sense of forum and discussion, and again in the graphics which retain the familiar globe and crescent, reinterpreting them in the BBC News visual language."