Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Veteran Broadcaster Mishal Husain Voices Concerns Over “Personality-Driven” Presenters
Following an impressive 11-year tenure on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and over a quarter-century at the BBC, seasoned journalist Mishal Husain has issued a caution regarding the increasing prominence of “personality-driven” presenters in contemporary broadcasting. Just months after announcing her departure from the prominent radio show, the experienced presenter, aged 52, underscored the importance of teamwork in news delivery. Husain, who previously worked alongside Amol Rajan and Emma Barnett, emphasized in a recent interview her belief in a collaborative approach, prioritizing the collective effort over individual stardom.
Teamwork is Key in Broadcasting, Says Husain
Criticizing what she described as “bombastic” hosts, Husain articulated her journalistic philosophy to British Vogue, stating: “I would very rarely use the word ‘I’, actually, on air. I would quite often say: ‘We’ve talked to so and so’, because you’re always part of a team. From the booking of guests, the decision-making process to pursue a specific angle, the writing of a brief – broadcasting is fundamentally a team effort.”
The Nuances of Personality in Journalism
Expanding on her perspective, she clarified: “Personality-focused journalism need not be bombastic. It shouldn’t be about presenters positioning themselves at the center of attention.”
She continued, expressing optimism about the potential of personality in journalism when grounded in ethical principles: “Hopefully, if presenters possess a personality rooted in journalistic integrity and values, they can effectively serve as a conduit for delivering news to the public.”
Career Shifts and New Horizons
Emma Barnett’s arrival at the Today programme in 2024 preceded Mishal Husain’s announcement of her departure within a few months. Husain had initially aimed to transition into the role of lead presenter for the Sunday morning political analysis slot, succeeding Andrew Marr. However, she was ultimately passed over in favour of Laura Kuenssberg.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Displaying resilience, Husain conveyed a stoic outlook, suggesting that events unfold “for a reason” and that she did not feel “entitled” to any specific position within the BBC.
Venturing into New Projects
Mishal Husain is now embarking on fresh ventures, notably including her book, Broken Threads: From Empire To Independence. This work delves into the narrative of her Pakistani grandparents against a backdrop of political tension, described as a poignant reflection on history.
Her literary endeavor has already garnered recognition, achieving Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller status. The paperback edition of the book is scheduled for release on May 8.
In a career move, Husain has transitioned from the BBC to Bloomberg and articulated a forward-looking vision for the “journalism of tomorrow,” suggesting a new chapter in her broadcasting career.