- Bosses mentioned to be eyeing up Barnett, 39, to take over presenting Radio 4 present
Woman’s Hour presenter Emma Barnett is reportedly being lined as much as change Martha Kearney as BBC Today host.
Bosses on the company are mentioned to be eyeing up the 39-year-old to take over presenting the Radio 4 programme when veteran journalist Kearney, 66, stands down from her function after the final election this yr.
Barnett would be a part of the Today line-up alongside Justin Webb, Mishal Husain, Amol Rajan, and Nick Robinson.
It comes after Kearney introduced in the present day she could be leaving the present she has offered for the final six years.
Barnett has been presenting Woman’s Hour since January 2021.
The BBC declined to remark when approached by MailOnline.
Woman’s Hour presenter Emma Barnett, 39, is reportedly being lined up as a number of Radio 4’s BBC Today programme
The Woman’s Hour presenter would change veteran journalist Martha Kearney, 66, who introduced in the present day she would step down after the final election
But The Telegraph studies the hiring of Barnett may spark accusations of ageism with BBC beforehand utilizing Kearney and Kirsty Walk as of examples of veteran broadcasters in distinguished roles.
After the election, Kearney will proceed engaged on quite a lot of tasks, together with Open Country and is ready to entrance a brand new interview collection celebrating the pure world known as This Natural Life.
The present will concentrate on every company’ ardour for nature.
In a press release, she mentioned: ‘I’ve beloved engaged on Today with its unbelievable attain and affect however now it is time to transfer on to pastures new – actually.
‘I’m actually wanting ahead to sharing my ardour for nature in an thrilling new collection in addition to a much-loved favorite programme. And I will not be lacking that 3am alarm name.’
BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, mentioned: ‘Martha has been an impressive Today presenter, because of her hallmark incisive questioning, heat, and reference to the viewers.
‘She is an immensely revered and in style journalist, and I’d prefer to thank her on behalf of the BBC and her hundreds of thousands of listeners.
‘I’m delighted Martha’s illustrious BBC profession will proceed on Radio 4 – giving listeners excellent programming past the election.’
Barnett has been presenting Woman’s Hour since January 2021 and had a earlier six-year stint on BBC Radio 5 Live
Martha Kearney has been presenting the Today present for the final six years
The 66-year-old journalist is ready to entrance a brand new interview present known as This Natural Life
Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4, Mohit Bakaya, mentioned: ‘Martha is a superb journalist and presenter, who has navigated us by means of necessary information tales through the years, and led Radio 4’s protection for vital nationwide occasions, together with the Queen’s funeral and King’s coronation.
‘I’m delighted that she is staying with Radio 4, bringing her appreciable information, ardour and expertise of the pure world to Open Country and our thrilling new interview present, This Natural Life.’
Editor of Today, Owenna Griffiths, mentioned: ‘It’s been my nice privilege to be Martha’s editor each at The World at One and Today.
‘She’s a journalist with nice tenacity, perception and a splendidly broad vary of pursuits. Above all she’s a heat and beneficiant colleague who shall be missed by me and the crew.’