Naga Munchetty will be allowed to work two days a week from London when she starts her new Salford-based BBC Radio 5 Live role.
The 51-year-old broadcaster has hosted BBC Breakfast for 17 years at their London studio, but will make a move north when she starts her new job in January.
According to sources, BBC bosses granted Munchetty permission to present two days a week from the capital, a privilege offered to several big names. Colleagues who must work full time up north are reportedly making the decision a talking point amid growing frustration over an apparent two-tier system.
BBC Radio 5 Live relocated to Salford 15 years ago as part of an initiative to spread programming investment across the country rather than concentrating it in London. Munchetty, who was paid about £360,000 last year, will front the 5 Live Breakfast show Monday to Friday, broadcasting live from Salford for three days a week and London for two.
A job advert for her co-host, who is yet to be recruited, states that the successful candidate will be required to present from Salford five days a week.
Insider Reactions and BBC Response
A BBC source told The Times: "The non-Salford shows are becoming a talking point as more presenters are given special treatment to do it. I'm not sure it's what [culture secretary] Lisa Nandy and Andy Burnham envisioned [for the BBC's] Salford base."
Another insider told the publication: "Salford still hasn't really worked as envisaged. It's just more evidence of a two-tier system." Other presenters who present from both Salford and London include Nicky Campbell and Matt Chorley.
The Daily Mail contacted the BBC and Munchetty's representative for comment. A spokesperson for the BBC insisted that the broadcaster remains focused on its commitment to broadcasting from Salford.
The BBC spokesperson said: "BBC Radio 5 Live is proudly based in Salford which remains the main production base for the station and 5 Live Breakfast. As a national live news and sport service, it is important that 5 Live also broadcasts from locations across the country so it can reflect and serve all audiences across the UK."
Departure from BBC Breakfast and Misconduct Investigation
It emerged last week that a workplace investigation into Munchetty's behaviour was quietly dropped. On Tuesday, the star announced she would be leaving BBC Breakfast.
The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday in an article by Katie Hind that Munchetty was made to look like a monster on BBC Breakfast, and stated her departure represents a win for its boys club culture.
An insider said her move to radio is no doubt two fingers to TV bosses who spent more than a year investigating allegations of bullying and misconduct against her. Bosses reportedly placed Munchetty under review last summer following complaints about alleged bullying and off-colour jokes over a three-year period, though she remained defiant and on air.
Some BBC insiders view her appointment to the 5 Live Breakfast role as a sign she retains the corporation's backing. Following a recent pay rise, her annual salary is now between £360,000 and £364,999 per year.
A BBC 5 Live insider told the Daily Mail: "It's brilliant for Naga and she's giving Frediani two fingers. It's a big promotion for her and a massive coup for us."
The claims originally emerged after BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani took an extended period of leave following separate allegations of bullying and misconduct. Munchetty was reported to be among those who raised concerns at the time. Frediani has since been cleared of wrongdoing and returned to work.
Specific Workplace Allegations and On-Air Incidents
Executives reportedly questioned Munchetty over an alleged sex joke, claims she was unkind to co-presenters, and allegations she upset guest Geri Halliwell-Horner. Complaints alleged she made sexual comments during an ad break and asked a female colleague whether she had ever carried out a certain sex act.
She was also accused of telling off an intern over the quality of her Marmite on toast. When fellow presenter Sally Nugent unveiled a glam new look, Munchetty allegedly said: "We're meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we're presenting This Morning."
Allegations also stated she described weather presenter Carol Kirkwood as really stern and remarked that she had aged a bit. Before Kirkwood retired from BBC Breakfast, viewers complained when Munchetty said on air: "I'm just waiting for the countdown for you to go."
Reports also noted a frosty relationship with co-host Charlie Stayt, despite the pair being all smiles on screen.
During an on-air row, guest Geri Halliwell-Horner appeared on the show and later vowed never to return after Munchetty asked her: "Do you not like being interviewed?" The comment reportedly prompted an apology from BBC bosses.
Munchetty Statement on New Radio Role
On her move to 5 Live, Munchetty said: "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."
Reflecting on her time at the television programme, she added: "It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends."
Describing the new position, she said: "Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up. It will take a huge amount of work and require 100% of my focus and energy, and I'm really looking forward to throwing myself into the role."
She added: "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."
Looking ahead, Munchetty concluded: "Between now and January, I'll continue presenting the two programmes I love. I'm sure there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will very much be business as usual."
