The BBC has defended Naga Munchetty after claims that she is receiving "special treatment" from the broadcaster. The presenter announced this week that she is leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years and moving to Radio 5 Live in January of next year to host the breakfast show. She is replacing Rick Edwards and Rachel Burden, who grew emotional when announcing her exit.
Backlash over scheduling
However, it's claimed that there has been a backlash at the BBC over the broadcaster's handling of her move. It's understood that Munchetty will be able to present three days a week in the Salford Media City studio up north and two days from London, which is near her Hertfordshire home.
It's understood her co-presenter is 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."
BBC statement
But the BBC has now dismissed the idea that "different standards" have been applied in Naga Munchetty's case. In a statement given to the Mirror, the BBC said: "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."
A source previously told the Mirror that it was not unusual for 5 Live presenters to broadcast shows from different places in the UK and that presenters can move between programmes. Nicky Campbell hosts his weekday show on 5 Live from both London and Salford.
Naga's announcement
Naga will continue hosting BBC Breakfast until the end of the year. Announcing her exit, 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 per cent of my focus and energy, and I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into the role."
