Emma Barnett will depart BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour to turn out to be the brand new presenter of the Today programme after Martha Kearney introduced she is to step down.
Kearney, 66, will depart the flagship present following the following normal election.
The Telegraph understands that Barnett, 39, has agreed to interchange her.
BBC bosses have been decided to rent one other lady as Kearney’s departure would depart solely Mishal Husain within the Today line-up alongside Nick Robinson, Justin Webb and Amol Rajan.
However, changing Kearney with a lady almost 30 years her junior is prone to immediate accusations of ageism.
When beforehand requested about ageism on the company, the BBC has cited Kearney and Kirsty Wark, 69, as examples of broadcasters in high-profile roles. Wark just lately introduced that she is leaving BBC Two’s Newsnight after 30 years.
Kearney has offered the Today programme for six years after a prolonged BBC profession. She was the primary lady presenter of Radio 4’s The World at One and was beforehand political editor of Newsnight.
The BBC mentioned that she “will continue working for BBC Radio 4 on a variety of projects” after the election.
This spring she’s going to begin presenting episodes of Open Country, Radio 4’s countryside journal programme, and later in 2024 will host a brand new interview collection celebrating the pure world, This Natural Life.
Kearney mentioned: “I have loved working on Today with its incredible reach and influence but now it’s time to move on to pastures new – literally. I am really looking forward to sharing my passion for nature in an exciting new series, as well as a much-loved favourite programme.
“And I won’t be missing that 3am alarm call.”
She added: “I have been planning my move for a while now and the general election, which will be my 11th, is the right point to move on.”
Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, mentioned: “Martha has been an outstanding Today presenter, thanks to her hallmark incisive questioning, warmth and connection with the audience.
“She is an immensely respected and popular journalist, and I’d like to thank her on behalf of the BBC and her millions of listeners. I’m delighted Martha’s illustrious BBC career will continue on Radio 4, giving listeners outstanding programming beyond the election.”
