11 March 2021

Today programme signs up Amol Rajan as new presenter

11 March 2021

Radio 4’s flagship current affairs show, Today, has signed up a new presenter – Amol Rajan

The BBC’s media editor will join the programme’s line-up later this spring.

He will present alongside Justin Webb, Mishal Husain, Martha Kearney and Nick Robinson – John Humphrys stood down in 2019 after more than 30 years on the show.

Rajan said: “The Today programme is one of the most powerful institutions in British journalism and the prevailing winds of our time make its job, and influence, yet more vital.

“It has a world-class team, both on and off air, under strong and effective new leadership.

“My aim is just to do them, and our listeners, proud. I’ve no intention of trying to reinvent news, and think the best thing is to keep it simple. Be fair, get to the truth, and don’t screw up.”

Owenna Griffiths was appointed the editor of the programme last year following the departure of Sarah Sands.

Rajan, who will continue as media editor, will also present a new interview series for BBC Two and a two-part royal documentary.

The royal documentary will “tell the definitive story of one of the most dramatic periods for a generation”.

It will “chart the years in which the younger royals – the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – have charted very different courses in their relationship with the media”, the broadcaster said.

In the new interview series, Rajan will carry out “in-depth interviews with high-profile global guests who are shaping the way we live today, from tech barons to business leaders to cultural influencers”.

A new host will be appointed for The Media Show, the Radio 4 show which Rajan currently presents.

BBC director of news Fran Unsworth said: “Amol conducts interviews with sharpness and grace, and I’m delighted we’ll be able to showcase that to the widest possible audience across BBC Two and the Today programme.”

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