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BBC issues Naga Munchetty statement as it addresses 'special treatment' claims

Naga Munchetty announced that she will be leaving BBC Breakfast and fronting 5 Live's Breakfast show in the New Year, but it's claimed she's getting "special treatment"

[BBC Breakfast]

The BBC has defended Naga Munchetty following claims that she is receiving "special treatment" from the broadcaster(Image: BBC)

The BBC has defended Naga Munchetty following claims that she is receiving "special treatment" at the broadcaster.

The presenter announced this week that she is leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years and moving to Radio 5 Live in January of next year to host the breakfast show. She is replacing Rick Edwards and Rachel Burden, who grew emotional when announcing her exit.

However, it's claimed that there has been a backlash at the BBC over the broadcaster's handling of her move. It's understood that Munchetty will be able to present three days a week in the Salford Media City studio up north and two days from London, which is near her Hertfordshire home.

[0_Naga-Munchetty-on-5-Live.jpg]

Naga will front BBC Radio 5 Live's Breakfast show next year(Image: PA)

It's understood her co-presenter is expected to do five days a week in Salford. A source told the Mirror: "Many don't feel that is particularly fair, and that bosses have afforded her special treatment."

But the BBC has now dismissed the idea that "different standards" have been applied in Naga Munchetty's case. In a statement given to the Mirror, the BBC said: "Appointments into any presenting role are made on merit and in line with the BBCs standard processes. We reject any suggestion that different standards have been applied in this instance."

[Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt]

A source claimed that many at the BBC don't feel that it's "particularly fair" that Naga doesn't have to do five days per week in Salford like her co-host(Image: BBC)

A source previously told the Mirror that it was not unusual for 5 Live presenters to broadcast shows from different places in the UK and that presenters can move between programmes. Nicky Campbell hosts his weekday show on 5 Live from both London and Salford.

Naga will continue hosting BBC Breakfast until the end of the year. Announcing her exit, Naga said: "Im thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.

"It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends.

"Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up. It will take a huge amount of work and require 100 per cent of my focus and energy, and Im really looking forward to throwing myself into the role."

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