Martha Kearney to leave Radio 4’s Today programme

Martha Kearney, long-standing host of BBC Radio 4’s flagship news programme Today, has announced that she will be leaving the show after 23 years.

Kearney, who joined Today in 1998, has been a familiar voice to millions of listeners, providing incisive analysis and probing interviews with the leading figures of the day.

In a statement, Kearney said: “After more than two decades at the helm of Today, I have decided that the time is right for me to move on to new challenges. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of such an iconic programme and to work with some of the most talented journalists in the industry.”

The BBC has confirmed that Kearney will be staying with the broadcaster, taking on new roles within the organisation.

Her departure from Today marks the end of an era for the programme, which has seen a number of high-profile presenters come and go over the years. The BBC has yet to announce who will be taking over from Kearney on the show.