The BBC has reportedly escalated its internal review of presenter Naga Munchetty to a formal investigation, assigning watchdogs to monitor her behaviour on the flagship BBC Breakfast programme.
From Review to Formal Investigation
The 50-year-old broadcaster, who earns a salary between £355,000 and £359,999 annually, will remain on air during the probe but will work exclusively with specific producers. This development comes after initial concerns about her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour were first raised by colleagues in August 2024.
According to sources speaking to The Sun, Naga has not been taken off air but now has production members monitoring her interactions. 'She's only allowed to speak to specific people too,' an insider revealed. 'It's far from ideal as a way of working and everyone hopes it comes to a head someway or another soon.'
Leadership Turmoil and Vulnerability
The investigation into Munchetty's conduct coincides with significant leadership changes at BBC News. The recent resignation of CEO Deborah Turness over the botched editing of a Panorama programme has reportedly left the presenter in a more vulnerable position.
An insider suggested the timing might not be coincidental: 'The Naga situation has been an albatross around Breakfast's neck since June when the endemic bullying at Media City was first exposed by The Sun. Whilst others have been cleared, the review on Naga has done the opposite - with further complaints against her.'
The situation intensified when BBC Breakfast's editor Richard Frediani took extended leave following an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations concerning the show.
Pattern of Concerns and Wider BBC Context
Specific incidents have contributed to the formal probe. Munchetty was reportedly spoken to by executives after a junior staff member accused her of bullying. In a separate incident, she was hauled into a meeting after making a sex jibe during an ad break while hosting her Radio 5 show.
This scrutiny occurs against a backdrop of wider turbulence for the corporation. The departures of director general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness followed an internal report accusing the BBC of institutional bias. Furthermore, co-host Charlie Stayt remains under review, and Munchetty is no longer represented by agents M&C Saatchi.
Her new representatives have reportedly held talks with rival station LBC, exploring potential opportunities beyond the BBC. The journalist, who hosts BBC Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday, earns nearly double her co-host Charlie Stayt, with reported tensions between the pair being 'rife'.
The BBC maintains its standard position on personnel matters, stating: 'We do not comment on individual HR matters.'
