The mutterings have started that Newsnight is just chugging along and that those programme-making run-ins between Paxo et al and the nation's political big hitters are becoming all too infrequent.
In fact, Paxman himself is partially responsible for drawing the show's troubles to the nation's attention - he used last year's MacTaggart lecture at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival to highlight the budget cuts on the show he's worked for nearly 20 years.
It's just one of a number of difficulties that have been highlighted for BBC's flagship late-night news show. Is it too close in time and content to the 10 O'Clock News? Paxman won't last forever and there is, of course, the small matter of finding a new editor.
Peter Barron may be a hard act to follow - but follow him someone must.
Many names are already in the hat, including several high-calibre in-house candidates, for the editorship.
Newsnight's deputy editor Jasmin Bhuttar; Daniel Pearl, deputy editor of the 10 O'Clock News; Eddie Morgan, an ex-Newsnight staffer; and Peter Rippon, who edits PM and Broadcasting House on Radio 4, have all been noted as suitable replacements. But who is it likely to be?
And just as importantly, perhaps: will the new editor inherit a sinking ship? What will be the biggest challenges faced by whoever emerges as Barron's successor?
Your thoughts please ...
