Radio entertainment and showbiz

Naga Munchetty is joining BBC Radio 5 Live

Naga Munchetty is to be the new host of the mid-morning programme on BBC Radio 5 Live, taking over from Emma Barnett in the new year.

The well-known television presenter will continue with BBC Breakfast alongside her new role with 5 Live where she’ll present the Monday to Wednesday 10am – 1pm slot. This follows her guest-presenting on the station over the summer.

Naga is one of the most high-profile news presenters in the UK, having been a regular on the most watched breakfast show on British TV since 2009. She began her career at the Evening Standard and has worked for Reuters, CNBC Europe and Channel 4 News.

Speaking about her new position at 5 Live, Naga said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the 5 Live team. I have always wanted to work more in radio and after such an enjoyable experience presenting on the station recently, I jumped at this opportunity.

“5 Live has one of the most passionate, engaged audiences in radio. The prospect of talking to those listeners every week really excites me. I can’t wait to get stuck into the role from January.”

Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Naga is a brilliant broadcaster and a fearless journalist, making her the perfect fit for our mid-morning programme.

“She impressed us while working briefly at the station in the summer, when our listeners loved her warmth, wit and straight-talking interview style. I’m sure she will make the mid-morning programme a must listen. I can’t wait to hear her interviewing the biggest names in news and telling stories from around the UK that you won’t hear anywhere else.”

Emma Barnet tweeted her congratulations to Naga, who said that she has some big shoes to fill but is very excited.

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