Nihal to reduce shows on Asian Network for Radio 5

BBC Asian Network’s popular mid-morning presenter, Nihal Arthanayake will be limiting his shows on the station to just one per week after being signed up by BBC Radio 5Live for its new daily afternoon show.

‘Afternoon Edition’ will see Nihal co-host with Sarah Brett. He will continue hosting his Asian Network discussion show on Friday mornings.

Nihal says, “I love radio and I am lucky enough to have been both a music DJ at Radio 1 for over a decade and then a speech broadcaster for the BBC Asian Network where I learnt so much, so for me 5 live is the perfect place for me to evolve further. I genuinely couldn’t be happier at being asked to present Afternoon Edition with Sarah. I love listening to 5 live and, ever since I worked on the Commonwealth Games coverage, I�۪ve wanted to be a fully fledged team member. It’s a big move for me, but I�۪m excited about bringing my mic skills to the station.”

Jonathan Wall, controller of BBC Radio 5 live, says, ���Nihal is already a multi-award-winning broadcaster who knows how to connect with listeners, as he demonstrates daily on his Asian Network show. He�۪ll join Sarah Brett on Afternoon Edition. Sarah has done an outstanding job since she joined the station nearly two years ago. I think Sarah and Nihal have the potential to be another brilliant 5 live partnership.�۝

BBC Asian Network is yet to announce Nihal’s replacement. The changes take place in September.