July 18th 2024.
Fans are showing their love for Martha Kearney as she bids farewell to BBC Radio 4's Today programme after six years as its host. The 66-year-old broadcaster is moving on to a new adventure in the world of nature shows, something she's "hugely excited" about. While she may be stepping away from news, she's not leaving Radio 4 behind completely. She's set to launch a new interview series, titled This Natural Life, which will celebrate the beauty and power of the natural world.
Kearney's first guest on the show will be none other than Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett. This will be just one of many exciting guests, including wildlife cameraman and Strictly star Hamza Yassin, actor and director Martin Clunes, chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and nature writer Richard Mabey. Throughout the series, Kearney will not only showcase the fascinating lives of her guests, but also her own love for the outdoors. As a presenter of previous nature programmes such as The Wonder of Bees and The Great Butterfly Adventure, it's clear that Kearney has a deep passion for the natural world.
As news of her departure from the Today programme spread, fans took to social media to express their sadness. Listeners praised Kearney for her dedicated journalism and captivating storytelling. Some even admitted to being brought to tears at the thought of her leaving. But despite the sadness, there is also excitement for what's to come for Kearney and her new show. One fan wrote, "Martha is an amazing broadcaster and journalist. Very sad to lose her from Today but excited to hear the new nature venture." Another added, "Thank you Martha for all your hard work and dedication. You will be missed."
Kearney herself reflected on her time at the station, saying, "Of course I will miss being at the heart of breaking stories, our amazing production team, and all the listeners who say they wake up with me. But the 3am alarm call... not so much." Today programme editor Owenna Griffiths also shared her admiration for Kearney, calling her a "tenacious journalist" and a "wonderful colleague."
While Kearney may be moving on to new projects, she will continue to be a part of the Radio 4 family. In addition to hosting This Natural Life, she will also begin presenting episodes of Open Country this spring. BBC Radio 4 controller and director of speech Mohit Bakaya expressed his excitement for Kearney's future with the station, saying, "I am delighted that she is staying with Radio 4, bringing her considerable knowledge, passion, and experience of the natural world to Open Country and our exciting new interview show, This Natural Life."
Before joining the Today programme, Kearney was the first female presenter on Radio 4's The World At One. She has also had an impressive career as a political editor for Newsnight and has interviewed notable figures such as Margaret Thatcher and Rishi Sunak. Despite her many accomplishments, Kearney remains humble and gracious, thanking her colleagues and fans for their support.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Kearney is looking forward to more lie-ins and the opportunity to explore her passion for nature. And while we'll miss her on the Today programme, we can't wait to see what she has in store for us with This Natural Life. As she said, "After more than four decades in the news jungle, I'm escaping to the wild world of nature programmes."
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