First Jenni Murray ... now Jane Garvey leaves Woman’s Hour for new radio role
BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour lost its second presenter in as many months after Jane Garvey revealed she was leaving the show.
Yesterday she signalled the end of her 13-year stint on the programme, just a matter of weeks after co-star Dame Jenni Murray announced her departure.
Both key presenting roles remain open, with 5 Live and Woman’s Hour regular Emma Barnett one obvious heir apparent.
Garvey will remain with Radio 4 for a new interview programme beginning next year. It is understood she was persuaded to remain as the broadcaster aims to keep middle-aged stars on the airwaves.
This follows Tim Davie, the BBC’S new director-general, signalling major changes at the broadcaster, including a move away from an editorial “obsession with youth”.
Radio boss James Purnell, who floated ideas including senior staff being mentored by their juniors in order to appeal to the under-30s, has since found himself cut out of the trimmeddown executive committee at the BBC.
Garvey had indicated her wish to leave Radio 4 following her tenure on
Woman’s Hour, but has since been persuaded to present a new programme of “high-profile” interviews on the station.
Garvey said of her departure: “It’s been a real privilege to play a small part in the history of this very special radio programme.
“On one unforgettable day, I interviewed David Cameron in the morning and Mary J Blige in the afternoon.
“There’s no other job like it. But famous people are not the reason people engage with Woman’s Hour. It’s because the programme still talks about the subjects and challenges no one else goes near.
“I’m very proud of our relationship with the audience and the trust they place in us.”
Dame Jenni was the longest-serving presenter in Woman’s Hour history when she announced in July that she would be leaving the show after 33 years.
Her co-star Garvey, who joined Woman’s Hour in 2007, will also leave her role vacant at the end of 2020.
Her time on the 74-year-old programme has included the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, and the 50th anniversary of the Abortion Act.
Sporadic presenter Barnett could be the clear successor to the long-serving star of the show. It is understood that despite Garvey’s wish to move on, she was asked to remain with Radio 4 for a new morning programme.
Mohit Bakaya, controller of BBC Radio 4, said: “When it comes to the art of radio presenting there are few that can match the brilliance of Jane Garvey.
“And whilst I understand that she feels it is time to move on after a terrific 13 years presenting Woman’s Hour, I am thrilled that she will stay on the network.” The retention of Ms Garvey follows a reshuffle of BBC bosses.
Mr Purnell, who served as culture secretary under Gordon Brown, has brought a focus on younger audiences in recent years.
One idea to help “reinvent” the BBC for the next generation included having younger employees mentor senior staff to help them appeal to youthful audiences.
But he has now been overlooked by the director-general, who has chosen a new-look executive committee that has been slimmed down to 11 members from 17. While Garvey announced her exit from Woman’s Hour at the beginning of the new BBC era, she will remain with a new 9am programme set to begin in April next year.
The new programe will focus on Garvey interviewing “people with extraordinary stories”.
The presenter is understood to be excited about the new venture, and will continue her work alongside Fi Glover on the Fortunately podcast.
‘It’s been a real privilege to play a small part in the history of this show’
‘When it comes to the art of radio presenting there are few that can match the brilliance of Jane Garvey’