BBC Radio 4 presenter Mishal Husain is leaving the corporation after a distinguished 26-year career to join Bloomberg, it was confirmed today.
Husain, 51, who has been a key figure on the BBC’s flagship Today programme since 2013, will step down in the New Year to take on a new role hosting a global interview series for Bloomberg. She will also serve as editor-at-large for the network’s Weekend Edition.
Reflecting on her tenure 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 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.”
Owenna Griffiths, editor of the Today programme, praised Husain as a “formidable journalist and first-rate presenter” and described her as a “generous and thoughtful colleague.” Griffiths acknowledged that her departure would be a significant loss for the programme.
A Storied Career
Born in Northampton to Pakistani parents, Husain began her career at Bloomberg in the late 1990s before joining the BBC in 1998. Over the years, she has taken on prominent roles, hosting key election debates, reporting from across the globe, and leading major coverage, including the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.
In addition to her broadcasting work, Husain authored Broken Threads: My Family from Empire to Independence, a bestselling memoir released earlier this year that explores her family’s experiences in post-colonial Pakistan. The book received widespread praise for its intimate and insightful narrative.
A New Chapter
Husain’s decision to leave the BBC follows a wave of high-profile departures from the corporation in recent years, including Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel. BBC insiders noted that Husain had been contemplating her future with the organisation for over 18 months.
At Bloomberg, Husain expressed enthusiasm for her new role:
“I am delighted to be fronting a new interview show that will reach audiences in different formats as part of Bloomberg’s Weekend Edition.”
David Merritt, Bloomberg’s head of media editorial, welcomed Husain back to the network, calling her “one of the UK’s pre-eminent news broadcasters” and expressing excitement about her contributions to their global platform.
Husain’s departure marks the end of an era for the BBC and the beginning of an exciting new venture in her storied career.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
