Naga Munchetty ‘set to quit' BBC Breakfast as agents approach rival station amid bullying row

Scottish Sun

4 days ago

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NAGA Munchetty was yesterday named as the fourth highest-paid woman at the BBC - but she's been looking for a new job.
As recently as last week, agents for the BBC Breakfast and Radio 5 presenter held talks with hard news station LBC to explore opportunities for the highly-respected journalist.
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Despite being named the BBC's fourth top‑paid woman, Naga Munchetty's team have been in talks with LBC about a possible new job
Credit: Alamy
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Naga's salary of £355,000–£359,000 dwarfs co-host Charlie Stayt's pay of £190,000 - but does also reflect her work on Radio 5
Credit: BBC
The Corporation's annual pay disclosure report declared Naga's salary was in the £355,000 to £359,000 bracket.
It dwarfs that of her daytime show co-host Charlie Stayt, although does include her work on Radio 5 as well as on the famous red sofa.
But despite the handsome rewards for her work at the BBC, The Sun can reveal she's keen to jump ship as a bullying row rages on at the flagship show.
It was reported last month that Naga's team had in the past held talks with LBC and Sky News, but following the launch of a probe into bullying on Breakfast her reps launched a fresh attempt.
Show director Richard Frediani was investigated by an external consultant after complaints about his 'draconian' approach and incidents of misconduct, but in the fallout, Naga's own conduct was thrown into the spotlight.
A number of past complaints about her came to light as the award-winning programme's team descended into war.
A source said: 'The fallout of Frediani's investigation created a stark 'him or her' narrative on Breakfast with Naga flung to the front line.
'The fact is she loves the BBC and her job but there's only so much external noise anyone is prepared to take.
'LBC would suit her well as the focus remains on news-led broadcasting, they take a hard line and there's far less of the fluffy nonsense involved in working at the BBC.
'Her team last week renewed historic talks with the Global radio station to see if there could be any work for her there.'
Awkward moment Naga smirks during segment about being 'appropriate at work'
Naga co-hosts BBC Breakfast for three days a week with Charlie.
He reportedly takes home £190,000 a year, whilst colleague Sally Nugent is on £200,000 and Jon Kay, £240,000.
Frediani has returned to work on the show following an extended leave of absence during the investigation.
He faced two misconduct complaints, including allegedly physically shaking a lower-ranking female editor in the newsroom in 2024.
The Sun revealed that Naga had been hauled in by bosses for bullying a junior member of the team, making a shocking sex gag to another, and had also faced complaints following a clash with Spice Girl Geri Horner.
The source added: 'Some workers backed Frediani's tougher, more traditional journalistic approach and think the 'sofites' need thicker skin. But others find him to be a bully and have welcomed the investigation into his behaviour.
'But in a similar way, people are torn on Naga. Some find her to be a passionate advocate of others behind the scenes, whilst others find her to be just as difficult as Fredi.
'Many felt like it's going to be her or him - only one of them will emerge from this crisis unscathed.
'Naga's job talks point to the fact that she's close to admitting defeat.'
A representative for Naga did not respond to a request for comment.
Naga's salary was revealed by the publicly-funded BBC as part of the annual report, where she ranked behind just three other women: Zoe Ball on £515k, Fiona Bruce on £410k and Laura Kuessenberg on £395k.
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Sally Nugent has been revealed to be on £200,000 while her Breakfast co-host Jon Kay earns £240,000
Credit: BBC