- Bosses said to be eyeing up Barnett, 39, to take over presenting Radio 4 show
Woman’s Hour presenter Emma Barnett is reportedly being lined up to replace Martha Kearney as BBC Today host.
Bosses at the corporation are said to be eyeing up the 39-year-old to take over presenting the Radio 4 programme when veteran journalist Kearney, 66, stands down from her role after the general election this year.
Barnett would join the Today line-up alongside Justin Webb, Mishal Husain, Amol Rajan, and Nick Robinson.
It comes after Kearney announced today she would be leaving the show she has presented for the last six years.
Barnett has been presenting Woman’s Hour since January 2021.
The BBC declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.
Woman’s Hour presenter Emma Barnett, 39, is reportedly being lined up as a host of Radio 4’s BBC Today programme
The Woman’s Hour presenter would replace veteran journalist Martha Kearney, 66, who announced today she would step down after the general election
But The Telegraph reports the hiring of Barnett could spark accusations of ageism with BBC previously using Kearney and Kirsty Walk as of examples of veteran broadcasters in prominent roles.
After the election, Kearney will continue working on a variety of projects, including Open Country and is set to front a new interview series celebrating the natural world called This Natural Life.
The show will focus on each guests’ passion for nature.
In a statement, she said: ‘I have loved working on Today with its incredible reach and influence but now it’s time to move on to pastures new – literally.
‘I am really looking forward to sharing my passion for nature in an exciting new series as well as a much-loved favourite programme. And I won’t be missing that 3am alarm call.’
BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, said: ‘Martha has been an outstanding Today presenter, thanks to her hallmark incisive questioning, warmth, and connection with the audience.
‘She is an immensely respected and popular journalist, and I’d like to thank her on behalf of the BBC and her millions of listeners.
‘I’m delighted Martha’s illustrious BBC career will continue on Radio 4 – giving listeners outstanding programming beyond the election.’
Barnett has been presenting Woman’s Hour since January 2021 and had a previous six-year stint on BBC Radio 5 Live
Martha Kearney has been presenting the Today show for the last six years
The 66-year-old journalist is set to front a new interview show called This Natural Life
Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4, Mohit Bakaya, said: ‘Martha is a brilliant journalist and presenter, who has navigated us through important news stories over the years, and led Radio 4’s coverage for significant national events, including the Queen’s funeral and King’s coronation.
‘I am delighted that she is staying with Radio 4, bringing her considerable knowledge, passion and experience of the natural world to Open Country and our exciting new interview show, This Natural Life.’
Editor of Today, Owenna Griffiths, said: ‘It’s been my great privilege to be Martha’s editor both at The World at One and Today.
‘She’s a journalist with great tenacity, insight and a wonderfully broad range of interests. Above all she’s a warm and generous colleague who will be missed by me and the team.’
