TV news and radio presenter Mishal Husain to leave the BBC

Renowned BBC Radio 4's Today programme presenter Mishal Husain is set to depart from the corporation in the forthcoming new year.

The 51 year old has been a prominent figure at the BBC, having been part of its team for over a quarter of a century. This year saw Husain adopt a pivotal role, moderating several debates during the 2024 general election for the broadcaster.

She is moving to Bloomberg, where she will helm a fresh interview series as editor-at-large for Bloomberg Weekend Edition.

Reflecting on her time at the BBC, Husain remarked, "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."

She extended her appreciation for the chances she was afforded, saying, "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."

Husain's journey with the BBC began in the backdrop as a producer in 1998, followed by her ascent to an on-screen presence with BBC World News three years later. Her diverse experience includes delivering top stories on BBC News At Ten and BBC News At Six, and notably conducting the engagement interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2017.

Deborah Turness, BBC News chief executive, paid tribute to Husain's illustrious career, asserting, "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."

Reflecting on future possibilities, Turness added, "I very much hope the BBC and Mishal will get the chance to work together again one day."

Earlier this year, Martha Kearney bid farewell to her last show on Today after six years, paving the way for Woman’s Hour presenter Emma Barnett to join the lineup.

Since 2013, Mishal Husain has served as an anchor on the Today Programme and has created documentaries highlighting figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, key events like the 2011 Arab Spring, personalities including the late Queen, and activists such as Malala Yousafzai.

Husain expressed enthusiasm about her new role, saying: "I am delighted to be fronting a new interview show that will reach audiences in different formats as part of the exciting plans for Bloomberg Weekend Edition."

The most recent BBC annual report shows that Husain earned between £340,000 and £344,999 during the 2023/24 financial period. Not only known for her radio contributions, Husain's experience includes hosting HARDtalk on BBC News, and presenting on The Andrew Marr Show; she was recognised as the best individual contributor to radio at the Voice Of The Listener And Viewer (VLV) awards back in 2018.

Her reporting career has taken her across the globe, from the United States to China, and notable achievements include being the first journalist to step into the school in Peshawar, Pakistan, after the devastating Taliban attack in 2014.