After nearly 36 years of service, Rahila Bano is set to leave the BBC on March 28, marking the conclusion of a long career in journalism and broadcasting.
Bano has been a key figure in the Money and Work team in recent years, sourcing over 100 business owners and investors from under-represented groups for major BBC programmes, including 5 Live’s Wake Up to Money, Radio 4’s Today, World Business Report, and Business Matters on the BBC World Service.
Beyond her reporting and production work, Bano has contributed to fostering inclusivity within the BBC. She co-founded and co-chaired BBC Salaam, a support network for Muslim staff and allies, highlighting her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Her career includes roles as Deputy Editor for Regional Specialist Programmes, Head of Radio Manchester and the Lancashire Asian Programmes Unit, and News Editor in Local Radio.
She has also worked as a producer for Radio 4’s Sunday Programme, a presenter and producer at Radio WM, a reporter for Radio 4’s You and Yours and Asian Network News, and as a Bi-Media Asian Affairs Correspondent for North West Tonight.
A significant portion of her career—22 years—was spent as an Asian Affairs Specialist Reporter, where she covered major investigative stories both in the UK and abroad.
Her journalism included interviews with prime ministers, coverage of elections, and reporting on natural disasters.
Last year, Bano also presented and produced a documentary, How I Chose to Remember My Mum After Her Death, demonstrating her range as a storyteller.
Colleagues and peers express their gratitude for her work and wish her well in her future endeavors.