Martha Kearney is stepping down from presenting BBC Radio 4’s Today after the UK general election.
Martha joined the BBC in 1988 and has presented the programme for the last six years. She is staying with Radio 4 to work on various projects after the election starting with presenting episodes of Open Country this spring.
Later this year, Martha will front a new interview series celebrating the natural world called This Natural Life. In each programme Martha will explore how nature has become a passion for her guest.
Martha Kearney says: “I have loved working on Today with its incredible reach and influence but now it’s time to move on to pastures new – literally. I am really looking forward to sharing my passion for nature in an exciting new series as well as a much-loved favourite programme. And I won’t be missing that 3am alarm call.
“I have been planning my move for a while now and the general election, which will be my eleventh, is the right point to move on.”
BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, says: “Martha has been an outstanding Today presenter, thanks to her hallmark incisive questioning, warmth, and connection with the audience. She is an immensely respected and popular journalist, and I’d like to thank her on behalf of the BBC and her millions of listeners.
“I’m delighted Martha’s illustrious BBC career will continue on Radio 4 – giving listeners outstanding programming beyond the election.”
Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4, Mohit Bakaya, says: “Martha is a brilliant journalist and presenter, who has navigated us through important news stories over the years, and led Radio 4’s coverage for significant national events, including the Queen’s funeral and King’s coronation.
“I am delighted that she is staying with Radio 4, bringing her considerable knowledge, passion and experience of the natural world to Open Country and our exciting new interview show, This Natural Life.”
Editor of Today, Owenna Griffiths, says: “It’s been my great privilege to be Martha’s editor both at The World at One and Today. She’s a journalist with great tenacity, insight and a wonderfully broad range of interests. Above all she’s a warm and generous colleague who will be missed by me and the team.”