BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty 'bully row' claims and hefty pay as she's 'set to quit'
BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty may be set to walk away from her presenting roles at the publicly funded corporation, amid rumours of a bullying row.
Naga, 50, has been a regular face on breakfast television as she has hosted the BBC's news programme since 2014. Meanwhile, she also has a show on BBC Radio 5 Live from Monday to Wednesday.
But, it's been rumoured that she's looking for a new job and could be moving to rival radio station LBC, and it has been claimed the TV star's agents 'held talks' with the news radio station recently. It has been reported, despite her earning double that of her BBC Breakfast co-host Charlie Stayt, she is 'keen to leave', following reports of a bullying row surrounding the early-morning programme.
As talks about Naga's plans for the next step in her career continue, we take a look at the alleged bullying row...
Naga Munchetty 'caught up in bullying row'
Last month it was reported BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani, who has been editing the show since 2019, was taking 'extended leave' from the programme after industry insiders complained about his conduct.
It was alleged the show's editor 'shouts and swears' at colleagues while ruling the breakfast show, industry insiders have claimed. A source claimed Richard was taking a break because of the 'damning' allegations, adding: "He needed time to reflect."
"He's devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he's a brilliant boss." They added to The Sun: " BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team."
A BBC spokesperson said in a statement: "While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.
"We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed."
Meanwhile, it was later reported that Naga does not get on with Frediani, while many staff members came out in defence of Richard, and it has been claimed Naga's co-host Charlie also has a strained relationship with Frediani.
Speaking in defence of Richard, one insider told the Mirror last month: "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."
Meanwhile, a second source told us some staff were disappointed with Naga, after she reportedly raised concerns about Richard. They said: "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."
How much does Naga Munchetty get paid at the BBC?
Earlier this week, the BBC released its annual report in which the salaries of the highest paid stars were revealed. The report revealed Naga is the 10th highest earner at the BBC as her salary over the last year amounted to £355,000 to £359,000.
Naga's pay band has increased over the last year, as she previously earned bweteen £345,000 to £355,000.
The TV host, who has been on the flagship programme since 2014, is paid more than her co-presenter Charlie Stayt, who has stayed within the £190,000 salary band – meaning Naga earns nearly double that of Charlie. Charlie and Naga present BBC Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday morning, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent take the helm from Monday to Wednesday.
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