Barnett steps up to Today role as ‘fearless’ successor to Kearney

EMMA BARNETT has promised to ask “the risky questions that listeners want answers to” as she was confirmed as the new presenter of BBC Radio 4’s programme.

The host of to the BBC’s flagship current affairs programme in May. Speculation had intensified that she was poised to join the

team after Martha Kearney, 66, announced that she would be leaving the station after six years on the show.

Barnett, 39, a former journalist, said of her change of role: “We are living in volatile times where sometimes even asking a question can seem risky – wrongly so. My ambition on the

programme is to keep asking the questions that listeners want answers to, as well as raising many smiles along the way, while armed with a very strong cup of tea. I am delighted to be joining a programme that occupies such a unique space in British life and to also have the opportunity to expand my work across BBC TV and news.”

Deborah Turness, chief executive of BBC News, says: “Emma is a formidable, fearless and ferociously intelligent journalist and I’m delighted that she will be showcasing her considerable talents across all of BBC News’ platforms.” Barnett’s switch leaves an opening for the role of presenter.

The broadcaster said that the show “will be recruiting a new presenter for the programme. BBC Radio 4 is inviting expressions of interest from experienced live broadcasters who have strong journalistic credentials, warmth and gravitas to lead this flagship Radio 4 programme”.

Barnett said her time on the show “means a great deal to me, and I want to thank the team and our mighty army of listeners for how much we have shared”.