Newsday for Africa to lanch this summer

The BBC is launching a new morning programme for Africa this summer, as the world's attention turns to London and the start of the 2012 Olympics.

Newsday will be broadcast live for five and a half hours every weekday morning, replacing The World Today and Network Africa.

Liliane Landor, Controller of Language services at BBC Global News, said: "While having a global listenership and editorial remit, the new programme will - in its tone and agenda - reflect that by far the largest part of the morning audience is in Africa at breakfast time. It will have a presenting style, pace and informality to appeal particularly to this audience and will be taking full advantage of BBC correspondents and bureaux in Africa."

Richard Porter, Controller, BBC Global News English, added: "Newsday will cover breaking news with the authority and immediacy that our audiences and partner stations expect. Because of its global remit, the programme will continue to serve other audiences around the world, particularly in North America at these times."

Newsday will be produced by a team working to the programme's editor, Simon Peeks. It will go on air from the new BBC studios at New Broadcasting House in London in the week beginning 23 July, as the London Olympics gets underway.

As well as broadcasting the best of BBC journalism, including the BBC World Service Languages, Newsday will develop links across all media platforms and engage with audiences by making active use of social media.