BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty is now the subject of a formal investigation, with a team of internal watchdogs assigned to monitor her conduct and interactions on set, according to reports.
The situation escalated last week from a preliminary review, with sources indicating Munchetty is now only permitted to speak to specific people while at work. The 50-year-old broadcaster, who also presents on BBC Radio 5 Live, has not been taken off air, but her working conditions have been significantly altered.
Escalation of the Investigation
A source told The Sun: "Naga has not been taken off air but now has certain members of production monitoring her and her interactions. She’s only allowed to speak to specific people too. It’s far from ideal as a way of working and everyone hopes it comes to a head someway or another soon."
The allegations against Munchetty form part of wider claims of a toxic workplace environment at the BBC Breakfast programme, which is based in MediaCityUK. These claims were first exposed by The Sun in June.
While other colleagues have been cleared following the initial review, further complaints were made against Munchetty, prompting the move to a formal investigation. An HR adviser from professional services firm PwC is reportedly assisting the BBC in looking into the culture of the show.
Allegations and Broader BBC Context
The specific allegations against Naga Munchetty are varied. They include claims that she hit out at an intern for incorrectly spreading Marmite on toast and that she made an unwanted sexual remark to a female colleague. Another allegation states she complained her porridge was "too hot" and that she disliked the blueberries used as a topping.
This investigation occurs against a backdrop of pledged reform at the BBC. Earlier this year, then Director-General Tim Davie and BBC board chairman Samir Shah vowed to "draw a line in the sand" after an independent review found some "well-known names" were not being held accountable for poor behaviour.
This workplace culture review was launched in the wake of the scandal surrounding former newsreader Huw Edwards. The BBC's 'Call It Out Scheme', which was initiated after issues on MasterChef, is the channel through which complaints against Munchetty were submitted.
Pay Disparity and Future Prospects
Amid the investigation, a significant pay disparity has come to light. Naga Munchetty earns between £355,000 and £359,000 for her role on the early morning news programme. In contrast, her co-anchor Charlie Stayt, who has been on the show since 2014 and is also reportedly 'under review', is paid within the £190,000 bracket—roughly half of Munchetty's salary.
Sources suggest that Munchetty's position may be more vulnerable following the departure of Deborah Turness, the former Head of News, who was said to have "protected" members of the talent team. With this protection allegedly gone, some are said to be "fearful" for their future.
It is also reported that Munchetty's team are approaching competitors, including LBC and Sky News, exploring new opportunities for the presenter.
When approached for comment, a BBC spokesperson stated: "We do not comment on individual HR matters."
