BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty is reportedly looking to leave the show and has ‘renewed talks’ with a radio station amid a bullying row
BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty has reportedly ‘reopened discussions’ with a commercial radio broadcaster following a bullying row that has overshadowed the morning television programme.
It emerged last month that programme editor Richard Frediani had taken prolonged absence from the flagship show following grievances about his conduct.
Presenter Munchetty was reportedly at odds with him, though numerous colleagues rallied to support the editor.
One insider even revealed to the Mirror that certain staff members felt let down by Munchetty, who allegedly voiced concerns regarding Frediani’s leadership approach to BBC executives.
A source has now suggested that whilst the broadcaster ‘adores the BBC’, she is exploring alternative employment opportunities, reports the Mirror.
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They told The Sun: “Her team last week renewed talks with LBC. The Global Radio station would suit her as there’s far less of the fluffy nonsense that’s involved in working at the BBC.”
Naga Munchetty’s reps have been contacted for a comment.
Meanwhile, the corporation’s yearly salary figures were recently disclosed, showing Munchetty earns nearly twice as much as her presenting partner Charlie Stayt.
Stayt and Munchetty helm BBC Breakfast from Thursday through Saturday mornings, whilst Jon Kay and Sally Nugent anchor the programme Monday to Wednesday.
The 63 year old Stayt has remained within the £190,000 pay bracket, whilst 50 year old Munchetty has secured a £10,000 rise, taking her earnings from £345,000 to £355,000. Munchetty, who has been a familiar face on the leading news programme since 2014, has consistently earned more than her co-presenter Stayt.
Her salary reflects her commitment to 180 days of anchoring BBC Breakfast, in addition to her Radio 5 Live show and contributions to election broadcasts.
The revelation of BBC salaries emerges amidst a controversy involving the BBC Breakfast editor accused of bullying. Several current and past employees have come forward in support of him.
A source disclosed to the Mirror: “He is not a bully at all and the truth will come out. He’s a great boss and was – and is still – overwhelmingly loved by the team, who respect his drive, expertise, and journalistic ambition. He has delivered great audiences and the first ever BAFTA for breakfast TV.
“He can be brash and opinionated but works so hard for his team and allows people to flourish.”
Another insider remarked: “Yes, he is old-school and can rub people up the wrong way but it’s always in the pursuit of great television. It’s the best-rating breakfast show in the country – it’s not supposed to be a walk in the park. Some – Naga included – need to understand this. It feels like it’s a case of presenter power turfing out a brilliant journalist.”
It is also suggested that Stayt has experienced tensions in his working relationship with Frediani.
BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer