Naga Munchetty has announced she is leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years to take up the breakfast slot on BBC Radio 5 Live. The departure follows a period of bullying allegations and a formal investigation into the presenter.
Bullying allegations and investigation
Last summer, reports emerged that Munchetty was considering quitting the flagship morning programme amid bullying allegations. The BBC drafted in a PwC consultant to review the culture around the show. Editor Richard Frediani took a period of leave and was later reported to have been cleared of further action.
In November, the BBC began a formal investigation into Munchetty after The Sun published claims about two incidents, including an off-air comment during a Radio 5 Live break in 2022 when she reportedly used a slang term for a sex act, leaving the studio 'stunned'. No formal action was taken, but Munchetty was spoken to about the incident.
Workplace culture review
The escalation came after an independent workplace culture review across the BBC, launched after the Huw Edwards scandal. Former director general Tim Davie and BBC board chair Samir Shah vowed to 'draw a line in the sand' after the review found certain 'well-known names' were 'not being held to account for poor behaviour'.
The BBC never comments on individual HR matters, but Metro understands that Munchetty's move is not connected to these prior reports. She is not under investigation, suggesting the workplace conduct matter has been resolved.
Move to Radio 5 Live
When talking about joining 5 Live Breakfast, Munchetty said she was 'thrilled' and described it as 'too good to pass up'. She added: '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.'
'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.'
