Naga Munchetty has stepped down from BBC Breakfast after 17 years, with insiders describing the programme as a “not a happy ship” and hoping for a “reset.” The presenter will move to host BBC Radio 5 Live’s breakfast show, replacing Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who announced their departure earlier this week.
Munchetty faced allegations of bullying by junior staff over the past year, though a BBC probe into her conduct is no longer active. Earlier, she had raised concerns about BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani’s conduct, but he was cleared of bullying allegations. A BBC source said: “The new job for Naga seems the best result for everyone. It was not a happy ship on Breakfast.” Another added: “After all the turmoil, it’s clear a reset is needed.”
The 51-year-old presenter, paid around £360,000-£364,999 for her BBC roles, will begin her new radio post in January alongside a co-host yet to be recruited. She will continue presenting both BBC Breakfast and her Radio 5 Live mid-morning show until then.
Announcing her move, Munchetty said she was “thrilled” and that the opportunity was “too good to pass up.” Burden will take over the weekday mid-morning programme, while Edwards will host Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings.
