The BBC has defended Naga Munchetty after claims she is receiving “unfair” special treatment in her new role, rejecting any suggestion that different standards have been applied.
The 51-year-old presenter announced last month she is leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years to move to Radio 5 Live in January 2027. Reports suggest she quit the morning flagship show for another role at the corporation as a “two fingers” to bosses who investigated her for allegations of bullying and misconduct.
Special treatment claims
There has reportedly been “consternation” behind the scenes over claims she is getting special privileges at her new radio job. Munchetty will be allowed to present three days in the Salford studio near Manchester and two days a week from London near her Hertfordshire home, while her prospective co-presenter will be expected to do five days a week in Salford.
A source told The Mirror: “Many don't feel that is particularly fair, and that bosses have afforded her special treatment.”
The BBC, however, told The Mirror: “Appointments into any presenting role are made on merit and in line with the BBC’s standard processes. We reject any suggestion that different standards have been applied in this instance.”
Job advert criticism
Munchetty's critics are also said to have “raised eyebrows” over the job advert to work alongside her amid the bullying row while she was on BBC Breakfast. The advert for the “chief presenter” lists attributes including a “warm personality with the ability to see the funny side of life”.
One source said: “The wording of the ad has raised a few eyebrows given all the hoo-ha on BBC Breakfast.”
Bullying allegations
Munchetty was accused last year of being “hard” and “bullying” her coworkers, with two alleged incidents over a three-year period. In 2022, she allegedly used a crude word for a sex act and asked a colleague if they had done it. The exact comment hasn’t been reported, but one source claimed it was “crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional”.
She was also accused of bullying a woman last year, allegedly accusing a younger staffer of stealing without presenting evidence. An insider said: “It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised.” In a separate incident, she was accused of telling off an intern over the quality of her Marmite on toast.
Investigation and aftermath
In November, BBC bosses reportedly escalated their review into an official investigation after more complaints were made. It was later claimed the broadcaster assigned watchdogs to monitor Munchetty in the studios while the probe took place. The investigation has since been “quietly closed”, with the outcome never made public.
Munchetty also faced backlash for making seemingly “rude” comments towards Carol Kirkwood during the weather presenter’s last day in April, and for a joke about Sally Nugent’s new hairstyle. Sources insisted she and Kirkwood are “close personal friends”.
Munchetty said of her departure: “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.” She will replace Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, with Burden becoming emotional as she announced their “really sad” exit.
