Mishal Husain, renowned co-presenter of BBC Radio 4's flagship 'Today' program, is set to make a significant career move as she prepares to leave the BBC after 25 years to join Bloomberg as Editor-at-Large for its Weekend Edition. This transition marks the end of Husain's long and illustrious tenure at the BBC, where she has established herself as one of the leading figures in British journalism.
Husain first entered the broadcasting world with Bloomberg, beginning her journalism career there before moving to the BBC. Since joining the BBC in 1998, she has held numerous roles including presiding over pivotal political events, such as general election debates and major broadcasts like 'News at Six' and 'News at Ten'. Her adept interviewing style and ability to engage with complex subjects have made her a trusted voice on Radio 4, particularly on the ‘Today’ program, where she has spent the last eleven years.
At Bloomberg, she will be launching a new global interview series, showcasing her engaging interviewing skills. This flagship multi-platform series will be available across audio, video, and digital formats, reflecting Bloomberg’s commitment to quality journalism. David Merritt, Bloomberg's Head of Media Editorial, expressed excitement about Husain's return, stating, "Mishal is one of the UK’s preeminent news broadcasters and journalists, and her incisive yet fair interviewing style will be invaluable to our team."
Husain's departure follows months of speculation within the media about her future, following the exit of other notable figures from BBC programs. Her recorded pay for the last financial year was between £340,000 and £344,999 for her contributions to the 'Today' program and other news functions, underlining her value as one of the BBC's top presenters.
Reflecting on her career at the BBC, Husain remarked, “My time at the BBC has involved many memorable moments, going to places I would never otherwise have seen, witnessing history and being part of the live, national conversation on Radio 4. I will always be grateful for the opportunities the BBC gave me and wish the organisation and everyone who is part of it the very best.” Her farewell is imbued with gratitude and respect for the institution she has been part of for nearly three decades.
Husain's departure has been met with affection from her colleagues. Owenna Griffiths, the editor of 'Today', highlighted her formidable presence as both a journalist and colleague, noting, “It has been my great privilege to work alongside her. Along with the Today team, I’ll miss her enormously but wish her all the very best in her new venture.”
BBC News CEO Deborah Turness recognized Husain's impact on the organization, stating, “She leaves the BBC with an incredible journalistic legacy. After more than a decade on the Today program, she is going with our gratitude and affection and we wish her the best of luck in her new chapter.”
During her time at the BBC, Husain broke significant stories and participated in noteworthy events, including being the first reporter to enter the school attacked by the Taliban in Peshawar, Pakistan, and moderatively covering the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She instilled the sense of history as she reported on the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the King's coronation, along with various documentaries about influential figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Malala Yousafzai.
Husain's professional footprint extends beyond news reporting. Earlier this year, her book "Broken Threads: My Family From Empire to Independence" became a notable success, making it onto the Sunday Times bestseller list. Such literary accomplishments have established her narrative style as not only engaging but also enriching for audiences.
While her transition cliffhangers the broadcasting community, it is anticipated as another step onward for Husain, who will be working exclusively for the Bloomberg brand from early 2025. She will be reporting out of Bloomberg’s European headquarters, and there is mutual optimism about this new collaboration resuming her roots at Bloomberg.
Across the board, reactions to Husain's departure are reflective of her integrative role within news media over the past few decades. It's notable this transition occurs alongside major shifts within the BBC as several key figures move on, pointing to potential changes not just within the corporation but within British news journalism.
Husain's move to Bloomberg signifies not only her personal career evolution but also the dynamic nature of the news industry, where established figures continue to seek new platforms and challenges. Her next chapter at Bloomberg promises to bring her thoughtful interviewing to new audiences, continuing her legacy as one of the leading voices in journalism today.
