BBC defends Naga Munchetty amid anger over ‘special treatment’ on 5 Live show

NAGA Munchetty has been vigorously defended by the BBC after claims she’s receiving special treatment after landing a huge new job on 5 Live. Unlike most other Beeb staffers working on the radio station, Naga, 51, will present from London as well as the Salford Media City studio. Naga Munchetty is joining Radio 5 Live’s Breakfast show in the New Year Credit: BBC She will broadcast from both London and Salford Credit: Getty She is replacing Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards on the station’s Breakfast show. It is understood she will present from London twice a week while her co-host will be required to broadcast from Salford five days a week. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! In a statement given to the Mirror, the BBC said: “Appointments into any presenting role are made on merit and in line with the BBC’s standard processes. We reject any suggestion that different standards have been applied in this instance.” But employees aren’t convinced, with an insider telling The Times there is a widespread belief that a “two-tier system” is in place. READ MORE ON NAGA MUNCHETTY Naga isn’t be the only 5 Live presenter broadcasting from both London and Salford. Nicky Campbell hosts his own weekday show from both locations and Matt Chorley is based in London due to the political focus of his afternoon show. Naga will continue to host BBC Breakfast until the New Year. She said last week: “I’m thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Most read in Showbiz “Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly. “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. “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 per cent of my focus and energy, and I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into the role.” Comment now