Naga Munchetty is set to leave BBC Breakfast after 17 years to take the helm of Radio 5 Live's flagship morning program. She will begin her new role in January, succeeding Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who are both transitioning to different slots.
Burden will move to the Monday-to-Wednesday mid-morning slot after 15 years in the breakfast position. Edwards will continue with Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings and contribute to other BBC Radio 5 Live programs. Munchetty, who has been a familiar voice on the station since January 2021 hosting the weekday mid-morning show, will co-host the breakfast program from Monday to Friday. The show will broadcast from Salford three days a week and from London for the remaining two days. A co-host for Munchetty is yet to be announced.
Munchetty expressed her excitement for the new opportunity, stating, "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." She reflected on her time at BBC Breakfast, calling it a "privilege" to have worked with a "talented and hard-working group of journalists." She added that presenting a flagship program on 5 Live was an opportunity "too good to pass up" and that she is "really looking forward to throwing myself into the role."
She also noted her existing relationship with 5 Live listeners from her mid-morning show, saying, "Over the last five years, I've been privileged to build a relationship with 5 Live listeners on the mid-morning programme and help shine a light on the issues that matter most to them. I'm excited to build on that in the Breakfast slot and to start each day with our listeners every morning." Munchetty confirmed she will continue presenting both BBC Breakfast and her 5 Live mid-morning program until January.
Controller of 5 Live, Heidi Dawson, described Munchetty as "one of the UK's most accomplished broadcasters and a hugely valued member of the 5 Live family."
Rachel Burden shared her feelings about the change after 15 years on 5 Live Breakfast, stating, "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." She described her time on the show as an "absolute joy and privilege" and highlighted the shared experiences with listeners through significant events like the pandemic and major political moments.
Rick Edwards commented on his five-year tenure, noting it was a "decent stint" compared to Burden's 15 years. He expressed he would miss the audience, the team, and his colleague Rachel Burden, whom he considers a friend and mentor. Edwards looks forward to not waking up at 3:45 a.m. and exploring new opportunities with 5 Live.
News of Munchetty's move follows reports earlier this month that she received a salary increase, bringing her annual earnings to between £360,000 and £364,999. This places her among the BBC's highest-paid stars paid directly by the corporation.