Amol Rajan Leaves BBC Today To Launch New Venture

After nearly five years at the helm of BBC Radio 4’s flagship morning show, Amol Rajan has announced his departure from the Today programme, marking the end of a significant chapter in British broadcast journalism. The 42-year-old broadcaster, who joined the Today team in March 2021, revealed plans to embark on an entrepreneurial journey by launching his own company in the burgeoning creator economy—a move he candidly described as “mad” but exhilarating.

Rajan’s announcement, which came on January 15, 2026, sent ripples through the BBC and the wider media landscape. According to BBC reporting, Rajan said, “Leaving Today might be mad. This team is the best of the best, consistently world class, and exceptionally well led by Owenna Griffiths and Mohit Bakaya.” He likened his experience on the programme to playing for “the editorial version of Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, or Steve Waugh’s Australia,” a testament to the high regard in which he holds his colleagues and the show’s storied legacy.

The presenter’s decision to step down is rooted in a long-held ambition. “20 years after I first flirted with the idea, I’m extremely excited to jump into the Great Digital Narnia of the Creator Economy, and build my own company,” Rajan told BBC News. He drew inspiration from the beloved sitcom character Del Boy, explaining, “Del Boy was my hero growing up, and it’s time to unleash my inner entrepreneur.”

Despite his departure from the Today programme, Rajan emphasized that he is “very much not leaving the BBC,” which he described as “Britain’s noblest cultural institution, whose Reithian spirit is such a generous gift to a world in flux.” He will maintain a prominent presence on the network, continuing as the host of University Challenge, a role he took on in 2023, and as the presenter of the Radical with Amol Rajan podcast. These non-news projects will allow him to remain a regular fixture on Radio 4 while pursuing his business ambitions.

Rajan’s move comes at a time of notable change for the Today programme. He is the third presenter to exit the show in the past two years, following the departures of Mishal Husain and Martha Kearney. Their roles have since been filled by Anna Foster and Emma Barnett, while the remaining presenting team includes Justin Webb, a stalwart since 2009, and Nick Robinson, who succeeded James Naughtie a decade ago. The BBC has confirmed that Rajan’s replacement will be announced “in due course.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Rajan expressed immense pride in his work, particularly his BBC Two interview series, Amol Rajan Interviews. “I genuinely couldn’t be prouder of Amol Rajan Interviews, which will stand the test of time,” he noted, recalling the privilege of traveling globally (and sometimes just to Essex) to engage with influential figures from various walks of life. His time on Today was marked by high-profile interviews and a commitment to championing the often-unseen work of producers behind the scenes.

Owenna Griffiths, editor of Today, offered effusive praise for the departing presenter. In her words, “Amol is an exceptional talent with a rare combination of intellectual dexterity, impressive breadth of interest and a brilliant sense of humour. Moreover—and perhaps, most importantly—he is a great team player who always champions the hard work of producers.” She added, “However, I’m pleased that he will still be a regular presence on Radio 4; Radical has rapidly become one of our most compelling podcasts, and I’m sure there will be many other Radio 4 projects down the line. In the meantime, I wish him well with this next exciting phase of his career.”

John McAndrew, the BBC’s director of live and daily news, echoed these sentiments, describing Rajan as having brought “a real breath of fresh air” to the programme. The sense of loss is palpable among colleagues and listeners alike, but so too is the excitement for what Rajan’s next chapter may bring.

Editorial guidelines at the BBC would have made it nearly impossible for Rajan to continue as a news presenter while simultaneously running a commercial venture, a reality acknowledged by both the corporation and Rajan himself. This policy, designed to preserve the impartiality and integrity of BBC News, likely played a role in the timing of his departure from Today.

Rajan’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Before joining the BBC, he served as the youngest-ever editor of a broadsheet title at The Independent at age 29, and was the first from an ethnic minority to hold such a position. He joined the BBC in 2016 as its inaugural media editor, quickly establishing himself as a versatile and dynamic presence across the corporation’s platforms. In addition to his stints on The One Show and BBC Radio 2, Rajan became a familiar voice to millions of morning listeners when he joined Today, effectively filling the vacancy left by veteran broadcaster John Humphrys.

Despite a decline in audience numbers since the pandemic, Today remains a cornerstone of British radio, drawing over five million listeners each week. The show’s enduring appeal is a testament to its ability to adapt and evolve, qualities embodied by presenters like Rajan who have helped shape its direction in recent years.

In his farewell, Rajan did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. “It’s that world I’m heading for, and I’m excited,” he said, alluding to the rapidly changing media landscape and the opportunities presented by the creator economy. His decision to step away from the relative security of a BBC institution to launch his own venture speaks to a spirit of innovation and risk-taking that has defined his career thus far.

For listeners and colleagues, Rajan’s departure is bittersweet. While his voice will be missed on the Today programme, his continued involvement with University Challenge and his podcast ensures he will remain a familiar figure on the airwaves. As the BBC prepares to announce his successor, the spotlight turns to Rajan’s next act—one that promises to be as compelling and unpredictable as the career he has built to date.

With a legacy of journalistic excellence, a flair for engaging storytelling, and an entrepreneurial drive inspired by childhood heroes, Amol Rajan’s journey from the Today studio to the creator economy is one to watch closely in the months and years ahead.