Naga Munchetty has quit BBC Breakfast after 17 years, with insiders hoping for a “reset” on the turmoil-hit show, which they described as not a “happy ship.”
New Role at Radio 5 Live
The presenter, who faced allegations of bullying by junior staffers over the past year, is leaving to host BBC Radio 5 Live’s breakfast show. A BBC source said: “The new job for Naga seems the best result for everyone. It was not a happy ship on Breakfast.” Another source added: “After all the turmoil, it’s clear a reset is needed.”
Internal Disagreements and Investigations
Munchetty’s departure follows a well-publicized disagreement with BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani, after she reportedly raised concerns about his conduct. Frediani was later cleared of bullying allegations, and a separate probe into Munchetty is no longer active.
The 51-year-old will take over from Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who announced on Tuesday that they would step down in December. A co-host for Munchetty has yet to be recruited.
Salary and Career Highlights
Munchetty has co-hosted BBC Breakfast for 17 years and presented Radio 5’s weekday mid-morning programme since 2021. She is paid around £360,000–£364,999 for her BBC presenting roles.
Announcing the news, Munchetty 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.”
Reactions from Departing Hosts
Rachel Burden will move to present the weekday mid-morning programme, Monday to Wednesday 11am–2pm, after 15 years on the station’s breakfast show. Rick Edwards will present Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings. Burden 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.”
