In a surprising career move, prominent BBC journalist Amol Rajan has announced he is stepping down from his role as a presenter on Radio 4's flagship Today programme later this year.
A 'mad' decision to follow an entrepreneurial dream
Rajan, 42, who has been a key part of the breakfast show's presenting team since 2021, admitted he "might be mad" to leave what he describes as an editorial dream team. He likened his time on the programme to "playing in the editorial version of Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, or Steve Waugh's Australia."
The journalist, who joined the BBC in 2016 as its first media editor, revealed his departure is driven by a long-held ambition to start his own media firm. He stated he is quitting to "jump into the Great Digital Narnia of the Creator Economy" and build his own company, an idea he first flirted with two decades ago.
Unleashing his 'inner Del Boy'
In a colourful explanation for his career shift, Rajan cited a beloved British television character as a key inspiration. "Del Boy was my hero growing up," he said, referencing the iconic wheeler-dealer from the classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses, "and it's time to unleash my inner entrepreneur."
Despite leaving the Today programme, Rajan will maintain his ties with the BBC. He will continue to present the long-running television quiz University Challenge and his Radical with Amol Rajan podcast for Radio 4. He emphasised he is "very much not leaving the BBC," which he praised as "Britain's noblest cultural institution."
Tributes from BBC colleagues
Owenna Griffiths, editor of Today, paid tribute to Rajan's contribution. "Amol is an exceptional talent with a rare combination of intellectual dexterity, impressive breadth of interest and a brilliant sense of humour," she said, adding he was a "great team player" who would be "sorely missed."
Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4, said: "Amol has brought a distinctive intellectual energy and curiosity to Today that we will be really sad to lose." He confirmed Rajan would remain a presence on the network through his podcast and potential future projects.
An announcement regarding Rajan's replacement on the Today programme is expected to be made in due course. His final broadcasts are scheduled for later in 2026.
