Naga Munchetty’s move from BBC Breakfast to BBC Radio 5 Live is reportedly causing discussion inside the broadcaster, with claims that her new working arrangement differs from that of other presenters.

The 51-year-old presenter recently announced she will leave BBC Breakfast after 17 years to become one of the new hosts of 5 Live Breakfast beginning in January. She will replace current presenters Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards on the network’s flagship morning program.

However, according to reports, Munchetty will be allowed to present the show from London for two days each week, while broadcasting from Salford for the remaining days.

The arrangement has reportedly raised eyebrows because a BBC job listing for her co-presenter states that the successful candidate will be expected to work from Salford five days a week.

A BBC staff member told The Times that flexible arrangements for some presenters have become an increasingly common topic of conversation.

“The non-Salford shows are becoming a talking point as more presenters are given special treatment to do it,” the employee reportedly said.

The source added they were unsure whether the setup reflected the original vision for the BBC’s Salford operation.

Another insider reportedly claimed the situation highlighted what they described as a “two-tier system.”

Other BBC presenters also split their time

Munchetty would not be the only presenter working between London and Salford.

Nicky Campbell already hosts his weekday program from both locations, while Matt Chorley is based in London because of the political focus of his afternoon show.

Munchetty will remain on BBC Breakfast until she officially begins her new role next year.

Announcing the career move, she said she was excited to take on the opportunity.

“I’m thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January,” she said.

“Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.”

She also reflected on her nearly two decades with the morning television program.

“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,” 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.”

Munchetty is already a familiar voice on Radio 5 Live, having hosted the weekday mid-morning show from Monday to Wednesday since 2021.

She first joined the BBC Breakfast team in 2009 and currently presents the program alongside Charlie Stayt every Thursday through Saturday.

Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards prepare to sign off

Following the announcement, outgoing host Rick Edwards shared an emotional message on Instagram reflecting on his years working alongside Rachel Burden.

“First things first – I HAVE AGED CONSIDERABLY SINCE THAT FIRST PHOTO, GOOD GRIEF,” he joked.

Although the pair will remain on air together for a few more months, Edwards admitted he was already thinking about saying goodbye.

He praised Burden as “smart, funny, warm, kind, brilliant, incisive, speed-walking, vape-hating” and even joked about her “eccentric approach to baking.”

“I started the breakfast show as a fan of hers, and will end it as a super-fan, and super-friend,” he wrote.

“Spending time with her every morning has been such a joy. We giggle even more off air than we do on air.”

Burden also became emotional while announcing the news live on air.

“I have some news to share with you… I really need to try and keep it together,” she said.

“We have been working together on 5 Live Breakfast for five years now, and I have been co-presenting this show for over 15 years.”

“I have loved, I think, almost every single minute of it.”

She added that both she and Edwards had spent recent months thinking about “what comes next” as their priorities in life continue to change.