Mishal Husain confirmed as new Radio 4 ‘Today’ host

The new BBC Director-General has confirmed Mishal Husain as the new female voice for the Radio 4 ‘Today’ programme.

Speaking at the launch of the BBC’s Annual Report, Lord Hall revealed that experienced television presenter Husain, 40, would be joining the flagship show in the autumn in place of veteran host James Naughtie.

Speaking of Ms Husain, who was part of the BBC�۪s presenting roster for the London Olympics, he said: ���She is a first rate journalist and she will be an excellent addition to what is a very powerful and strong team,�۝ he said. ���I�۪m particularly pleased that with her appointment there will be another female voice on the programme which I think is really important.�۝

The Today programme is currently fronted by four men ��� Mr Naughtie, John Humphrys, Evan Davis and Justin Webb ��� and just one woman, Sarah Montague. It has been criticised for its lack of female voices, both as presenters and interviewees.

Ms Husain is believed to be the first Asian presenter on the Today programme, which first went to air in 1957.

Extracts: Independent