BBC World News changes: Jon Sopel ditches Global and moves to North America for BBC; Yalda Hakim the new main anchor of Impact.

On-air changes at BBC World News (DStv 400 / StarSat 400): Jon Sopel is done with Global becoming the BBC's new North America editor, and Yalda Hakim is becoming the new face of the current affairs show Impact.

Yalda Hakim (left) who joined BBC World News in January 2013 as lead reporter on the Our World current affairs strand says she loves being out in the field "and I want to bring the Impact viewers with me".

"I am delighted that Yalda has agreed to become the main presenter of Impact," says James Stephenson, the head of news for BBC Word News in a statement.

"She has made an enormous contribution to the channel since she joined last year with her investigative reporting from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and elsewhere. She will continue to combine that work in the field with her new role".

Meanwhile Jon Sopel (right) is ditching Global to move to North America and will be reporting on North American stories for both the BBC's global and international output.

"This was the only opportunity that could have pulled me away from presenting on BBC World News, of which I have nothing but fond memories," says Jon Sopel.

"He will be a big loss to Global, which he has presented since its launch," says James Stephenson.

"I'd like to thank Jon for playing such an important part in the relaunch of BBC World News from our new studios, and I'm delighted that he will continue his association with us in his new role in Washington," says Richard Porter, the controller of English for the World Service Group in the statement.

"He and Yalda have been at the forefront of the changes which have been welcomed by viewers around the world. Yalda will be taking on a more prominent role as the main anchor of Impact, but she will still find time to continue her outstanding work as a film-maker and investigative journalist".