Barnett set to host ‘radio mothership’ Woman’s Hour
● Presenter promises listeners adventures for 75th anniversary year
Emma Barnett has been announced as the new host of Woman’s Hour, joining the “radio mothership” next year.
The news came after Jane Garvey and Dame Jenni Murray both decided to quit the BBC Radio 4 show.
Barnett, who has made waves with her eponymous BBC Radio 5 Live show, will be the long-running programme’s main presenter.
She will host from Monday to Thursday.
A second presenter will be announced for the Friday and Saturday instalments.
Barnett, who starts in Januar y, said: “I can’t wait to get to know the many listeners of Woman’s Hour a lot, lot better.
“What adventures we are going to have together – all star ting in the year that this BBC institution, the radio mothership, turns 75.”
Barnett, who also hosts Newsnight, said: “I have a long love of Woman’s Hour and live radio and know that this is a very special and rare opportunity .”
Barnett co-presented Woman’s Hour during the 2017 and 2019 general elections.
Radio 4 controller Mo hit Bakaya said: “I am delighted that Emma is joining Woman’s Hour.
“She started her BBC broadcasting career on Radio 4 and has continued to be closely involved with the network in general, and Woman’s Hour in particular, ever since.
“She brings a terrific combi
nation of intellectual inquiry, robust journalism and curiosity about the human condition.
“I can’t think of anyone better to carry on the important job of identifying and exploring the issues that matter most to women.”
Barnett will present her 5 Live show until the end of the year, but will continue in her role at Newsnight after she joins Woman’s Hour.
Garvey, who continues to
present Woman’s Hour until the end of the year, welcomed Barnett’ s appointment, writing on Twitter“the mighty Woman’s Hour marches on”.
From October to December, other presenters will guest host in place of Dame Jenni, who has been on the radio programme for 33 years.
Woman’s Hour, which offers a female perspective on the world, is one of the longestrunning programmes on Brit
ish radio. The programme first launched in 1946 on the BBC Light Programme.
In announcing her depar - tu re, Garvey had said :“It’ s been a real privilege to play a small part in the history of this very special radio programme.” She also said how proud she was of the programme’s relationship with its listeners.