Naga Munchetty, one of the BBC’s most high-profile presenters, is quietly raking in thousands of pounds on top of her £360,000 annual salary, The Daily Mail can reveal.
The 51-year-old BBC Breakfast star has continued to boost her earnings despite a turbulent period at the broadcaster, including a formal investigation into allegations of bullying and controversial on-air remarks.
Munchetty, who co-hosts BBC Breakfast alongside Charlie Stayt, has long been one of the Beeb’s top earners, reportedly making almost double her co-host’s pay, yet she’s also been cashing in on lucrative external ventures.
Side Hustles and Masterclasses
This year, Munchetty has added further income through high-profile appearances and speaking engagements. Among her most notable side ventures is a podcast masterclass entitled The Art of Asking Better Questions with Naga Munchetty, which has reportedly brought in substantial revenue.
The BBC regularly publishes a quarterly register of top staff earnings from external work, including after-dinner speeches, hosting corporate Q&As, and presenting at prestigious events. Despite past controversies, Naga has continually appeared on that list, reinforcing her status as one of the corporation’s most bankable presenters.
Recent documents reveal she participated in three high-profile events in January and February 2026. One included hosting a panel discussion on “access to the creative industries” at Soho House in Manchester, attended by Noel Gallagher ahead of the BRIT Awards after-party. She was joined by New Order legend Peter Hook and Soho House CEO Andrew Carnie and reportedly earned up to £5,000 for the event.
The previous week, she travelled to Dubai for the Emirates Festival of Literature to give a talk on her book It’s Probably Nothing, discussing her experiences in the medical field and confronting bias against women. Tickets for the hour-long session cost £15 each, while Naga received up to £1,000 for the appearance, though travel and accommodation costs are unclear.
In February, Munchetty also led a debate on The PR Network’s podcast Just Curious, sharing insights on interviewing techniques, analytical thinking, and the discipline required to ask the right questions. According to the podcast, Naga stressed that “clarity is key: say little, facilitate much, and never make the story about yourself.” The session, described as “honest, thought-provoking and ultimately empowering,” has reportedly been highly profitable.
BBC Salary and Pay Disparities
Last year, figures released by the broadcaster revealed Munchetty received a £10,000 pay rise, bringing her total salary to a staggering £360,000 – nearly double that of Charlie Stayt, her co-host. Despite being reprimanded over bullying allegations and a controversial sex jibe, the presenter’s remuneration remained untouched, highlighting her commercial value and prominence on the channel.
Industry insiders say her earnings illustrate a broader trend within the BBC, where top talent can leverage external ventures to supplement public salaries, even amid controversy. Last year, Munchetty reportedly earned up to £56,000 in additional income, including up to £10,000 for charity work.
Controversies and Scrutiny
Munchetty’s career has been punctuated by periods of scrutiny. In 2019, she breached BBC impartiality guidelines when she criticised former US President Donald Trump over perceived racism, claiming his “go back to your own country” comment towards female politicians of colour was offensive. The BBC ruled that while she was entitled to a personal response, her comments exceeded the broadcaster’s guidelines.
In 2025, she was hauled into a meeting over bullying allegations and a crude sex joke made during a radio segment. Reports emerged that the BBC’s Breakfast editor, Richard Frediani, had taken extended leave amid the internal investigation, while tensions on set were said to be high. Munchetty’s relationship with junior staff reportedly attracted criticism, with some labelling her communication style “sharp” or “diva-like.”
Her on-air style has also drawn attention. Several high-profile interviews, including segments with Geri Halliwell and Sir David Attenborough, have been described as “awkward” or “spiky” by viewers, sparking debate over her interviewing approach. Social media scrutiny has often compounded these issues, with Munchetty herself highlighting perceived double standards in treatment compared to male colleagues.
Career Moves and Media Interest
Amid the controversy, Munchetty’s agent has reportedly held exploratory talks with rival broadcasters, including Sky News and LBC, though sources say negotiations broke down over concerns about her “tough ways” and reputation for being demanding. Industry insiders suggest she remains a sought-after media personality, though her reputation as a “no-nonsense” presenter has made some potential employers cautious.
The BBC has maintained strict guidelines on external work. Presenters must secure management approval and adhere to rules regarding conflicts of interest, impartiality, and commercial endorsements. Munchetty’s side ventures have reportedly complied with these standards, ensuring she can capitalise on opportunities while remaining on air.
Public and Colleague Reactions
Colleagues and industry insiders have observed tension between Munchetty and co-host Charlie Stayt, noting that pay disparities and differing work styles have occasionally caused friction. However, her influence and audience draw have cemented her role as a central figure on BBC Breakfast, with executives reportedly reluctant to remove her despite ongoing scrutiny.
The controversy surrounding Munchetty coincides with broader challenges for the BBC, including the resignation of Deborah Turness, former CEO of BBC News, over editorial missteps and impartiality disputes. Within this context, Munchetty’s high-profile investigations and external ventures have made her a focal point of both admiration and criticism.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Munchetty continues to thrive professionally and financially. Her podcast masterclasses, speaking engagements, and appearances at high-profile events suggest she is leveraging her brand to diversify income streams beyond her BBC salary.
Insiders note that her continued success reflects both her media skill and her determination to maintain visibility and influence, even amid controversy. As one source told The Sun: “Naga knows how valuable she is and isn’t afraid to explore opportunities that add to her portfolio. She’s tough, ambitious, and will always find a way to be in the spotlight.”
With her pay, side ventures, and prominent profile, Munchetty exemplifies the modern broadcaster navigating public scrutiny, internal investigations, and commercial opportunities. While her future at BBC Breakfast remains under watch, her ability to earn beyond her salary ensures she remains a significant figure in British media.
