Noreen Khan to leave weekday show on BBC Asian Network
BBC Asian Network has announced that Haroon Rashid will replace Noreen Khan in her weekday (11:00 – 15:00) slot on the station.
Khan who has been at the BBC Asian Network for 12 years, will move to a weekly Sunday afternoon show, starting from 5th February 2023.
Noreen Khan says, “Since 2010, I’ve been doing a daytime show on Asian Network which has been a huge part of my life and I’ve loved being a part of the listener’s daily lives. The listeners have become like family to me and we’ve shared so much together.
“After 12 years, I felt it was time to step down from my daily show to explore other things like comedy and TV work. I’m really excited to remain part of the Asian Network family and can’t wait to bring a new show to our listeners in 2023 – bring it on.”
Haroon started appearing as the Asian Network’s entertainment reporter in 2014. He currently presents the network’s flagship film and TV show, ‘Beyond Bollywood’ ,where he has interviewed some of the biggest names in showbiz including Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan. Haroon’s first show will begin on Monday 20 February 2023.
Haroon Rashid says, “I’m so excited to be joining the weekday schedule. Asian Network is like home – I grew up listening to the station and to be a part of it is like a dream come true every day. I can’t wait to play the biggest tunes and for all the daily chat with the best listeners in the world. It’s going to be so much fun! But I know I have some massive shoes to fill behind Noreen and I’m honoured to be able to take over this slot.”
After a brilliant 12 years presenting daytime shows across Asian Network including drivetime, Noreen Khan will be moving to weekends to launch a brand-new weekly Sunday show (9pm-11pm).
The show will focus on the best in Bollywood music as well as a focus on Pakistani music, entertainment and soundtracks.
In other changes taking place from January, Mehreen Baig will be joining the Asian Network family to co-host the Saturday afternoon show (13:00 – 15:00), alongside Mistah Islah. Their new show will start on Saturday 7th January.
Mehreen is a former teacher, broadcaster and writer who has presented several shows and podcasts for the BBC, including BAFTA award-winning documentary, ‘Muslims Like Us’. In 2022, she presented the Asian Network podcast, ‘Not Even Water’, a series that celebrated Ramadan.
Mehreen Baig says, “I am so excited to be joining the brilliant Islah every Saturday on Asian Network. We can’t wait for listeners to join us for an afternoon of fun and entertainment and great music as we provide the soundtrack for Saturdays.”
Ahmed Hussain, Head of BBC Asian Network, says, “Haroon is a brilliant presenter and I’m looking forward to welcoming him to the weekday schedule, and also excited for Mehreen to be joining the Asian Network family on a Saturday. Thank you to Noreen for holding down daytime over the past 12 years, I look forward to her Sunday show in 2023!”
