Martha Kearney Quits Radio 4’s Today Show After Six Gruelling Years
Martha Kearney has stepped down as a presenter of Radio 4’s Today programme, ready to enjoy some well-earned lie-ins after enduring brutal 3am starts for six years.
BBC Stars Pay Tribute to Radio Legend
Colleagues and friends heaped praise on the long-serving BBC presenter as she signed off. Kearney said she cherished the deep bond she formed with listeners. She reckons despite the usual Twitter moans, “Radio 4 listeners are amazing” with their passion and enthusiasm.
“If you pay too much attention to Twitter you’d think we’re absolutely loathed. But Radio 4 listeners are amazing and as you go out and about and you see them and it’s wonderful, their enthusiasm.” – Martha Kearney
Today Show Audience Holds Strong Despite Challenges
Today still pulls in a solid 5.6 million listeners a week in early 2024, according to Rajar figures. That’s down from a peak of 7.5 million back in 2017, when Brexit and Trump mania boosted ratings. The BBC admits traditional radio faces long-term decline and is shifting gears to stay relevant.
Fighting for the Morning Airwaves
Today’s 8.10am interviews remain a key stop for government ministers. But rivals like podcasts The Rest Is Politics and The News Agents, plus commercial stations like LBC, are nipping at its heels. The show has tweaked its format to keep pace with the digital age.
Kearney’s exit leaves five presenters – Justin Webb, Mishal Husain, Nick Robinson, Amol Rajan, and newcomer Emma Barnett – to juggle the six-day broadcast schedule.
From Political Scoop to Bee Crazy
Kearney joined the BBC from LBC in 1988, with stints on Woman’s Hour, Newsnight as political editor, and a decade hosting World at One. She swapped with Sarah Montague to join Today in 2018.
Her friend and fellow BBC star Kirsty Wark hailed Kearney’s knack for uncovering stories, especially in Northern Ireland. Wark recalled: “She broke the secret talks between Martin McGuinness and the British government, and interviewed paramilitary prisoners in the Maze prison for Newsnight. She could winkle a story out of a stone.”
Martha was also famous for her obsession with bees — owning several hives until she developed an allergy to them.
“I have loved waking up to the voice of the beehive. Martha is a true friend to many, many lucky people. But she’s also been a true friend to listeners – because Martha’s voice is one you can trust.” – Kirsty Wark
New Chapter: A Nature Show on the Way
Before her final show aired, it was confirmed Kearney will return to Radio 4 this autumn with a new series called This Natural Life. Co-host Amol Rajan joked: “It only took 268 items about wild swimming and puffin colonies but they’ve finally given you a nature programme.”
