Naga Munchetty quits BBC Breakfast after 17 years following ‘bullying probe’
Naga Munchetty has announced that she is stepping down from BBC Breakfast after nearly two decades.
The presenter, 51, joined the morning show back in 2009 but will now transition to Radio 5 Live.
Taking over from the current 5 Live hosts, Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who are leaving in December, Naga will co-host the Breakfast show from January onwards.
Her move comes after a formal probe into allegations of bullying against her was launched last year, including accusations relating to interactions with colleagues and production staff.
Asked about joining 5 Live Breakfast, Naga said: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.
‘It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends.
‘Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up. It will take a huge amount of work and require 100% of my focus and energy, and I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into the role.
‘Over the last five years, I’ve been privileged to build a relationship with 5 Live listeners on the mid-morning programme and help shine a light on the issues that matter most to them. I’m excited to build on that in the Breakfast slot and to start each day with our listeners every morning.
‘Between now and January, I’ll continue presenting the two programmes I love. I’m sure there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will very much be business as usual.’
Naga joined BBC One’s Breakfast as a finance reporter and has been one of the main hosts for the past 12 years.
No stranger to 5 Live, Naga currently presents the mid-morning programme on some weekdays.
Following Rachel and Rick’s departure, it is not yet known who will be Naga’s co-host on 5 Live.
Rachel will now move to present the weekday mid-morning programme, Monday to Wednesday 11-2pm, following 15 years on the station’s breakfast show.
Discussing her transition, she said: ‘After 15 years hosting 5 Live Breakfast, I’ve decided it’s time for a change – and I’m really excited about launching my new show on the station.
‘It’s been an absolute joy and privilege to be part of our listeners’ mornings for all these years.
‘We have been through life-changing events together, from the pandemic to huge political moments, and great sporting journeys.
‘They are my extended family, and we’ll carry on doing what we do best – telling stories, sharing experiences and working out the world together.
‘Just this time, on a little bit more sleep.’
Rick, meanwhile, will present Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings.
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