Mishal Husain QUITS BBC as Radio 4 Today host releases statement on departure from broadcaster
Mishal Husain, one of the main presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, will leave the corporation in the New Year after 11 years in the role.
The veteran broadcaster, who has been a prominent voice on the flagship morning show, most recently chaired the BBC’s UK general election debates in 2024.
During her tenure at the Today programme, Husain has become one of the BBC’s most recognisable voices, joining the show in October 2013 when she first co-presented alongside John Humphrys.
Throughout her BBC career, Husain has been a versatile presence across both television and radio platforms.
She has regularly appeared as a relief presenter on the BBC News at Ten and BBC News at Six.
Speaking about her exit, Husain said in a statement: “My time at the BBC has involved many memorable moments, going to places I would never otherwise have seen, witnessing history and being part of live, national conversation on Radio 4.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunities the BBC gave me, and wish the organisation and everyone who is part of it the very best.”
CEO of BBC News Deborah Turness also released a statement: “Mishal leaves the BBC with an incredible journalistic legacy.
“After more than a decade on the Today programme she is going with our gratitude and affection and we wish her the best of luck in her new chapter. I very much hope the BBC and Mishal will get the chance to work together again one day.”
Before joining the Today programme, she served as the BBC’s Washington correspondent during the Iraq war, conducting high-profile interviews with figures including Paul Wolfowitz and Richard Armitage.
Mishal Husain to leave the BBC in the new year.
Read more ⬇️https://t.co/iCg2mA5Dj7
— BBC News Press Team (@BBCNewsPR) November 27, 2024
She has also been a key presenter for major sporting events, including the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Husain’s journey at the BBC began in 1998 when she joined as a junior producer in the newsroom and News 24 channel.
She quickly transitioned from behind the camera to become a presenter, working across various programmes including the daily Breakfast show and Asia Business Report from Singapore.
Following the news of her departure on social media, several people reacted to the announcement.
Chris Cook, the BBC News Creative Director, penned on X: “I have no words.
“@MishalHusain is a broadcasting legend and a dear friend. I wish her all the very best for the future.”
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Elsewhere, Owenne Griffiths, the Editor of the Today programme, added: “@MishalHusain will always be one of the great @BBCr4today presenters. Forensic, courteous and highly intelligent, she is always a joy to listen to.
“A wonderful colleague and friend, I will miss her enormously and wish her all the very best.”
Meanwhile, fans similarly shared their upset, including one who penned: “I’m so very sorry to read this.
“She is absolutely superb and brings an ‘air’ to traditional broadcasting like no other these days… sad news!” (sic)