Raising Smiles and Stirring Minds

Emma Barnett, the acclaimed presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, is set to embark on a new journey as the lead host of the esteemed Today programme. Having helmed Woman’s Hour since January 2021, her forthcoming departure in April signifies the commencement of an exciting new phase in her distinguished career.

Barnett herself has said, “We are navigating through turbulent times where posing a question can sometimes seem perilously incorrect.” Her move from Woman’s Hour is not a goodbye to challenging dialogues but a shift to a platform where she intends to persist in posing the most pertinent questions, fortified by a robust cup of tea and a resolve to bring joy in the process.

The Today programme, BBC’s premier morning radio show, is ready to embrace Barnett. As the UK’s most popular breakfast radio news programme, Today provides Barnett with an unparalleled platform to probe into pressing matters and connect with a diverse audience.

Before Woman’s Hour, Barnett showcased her journalistic skill on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Two’s Newsnight. Her appointment to Today is praised by BBC News CEO Deborah Turness for her energy and tough questions. Today's editor, Owenna Griffiths, highlights Barnett's dedication to audience interests and quality broadcasting.

At Woman’s Hour, Barnett engaged audiences with interviews, from Queen Camila to Michael Coel and the late Sinead O’Connor. Her ability to spark meaningful discussions sets a high standard for her upcoming work on Today.

As Barnett prepares to join Today, the broadcasting world eagerly awaits her debut, a testament to her dedication to journalistic excellence and enthralling storytelling.