Some staff members at BBC Breakfast News are reportedly disappointed with Naga Munchetty amid a probe into accusations of bullying.
The BBC’s flagship morning show has been facing mounting scrutiny over the internal culture behind the scenes, with Munchetty reportedly raising concerns about outspoken editor Richard Frediani.
Last week, it was revealed Frediani has stepped away from his role for an extended period following a series of bullying allegations.
Sources are now claiming some former and current staff are defending Frediani and think Munchetty, 50, needs to “understand” that his “brash” leadership style has led to “great television”.
“He is not a bully at all and the truth will come out. He’s a great boss and was - and is still - overwhelmingly loved by the team, who respect his drive, expertise, and journalistic ambition,” an insider told The Mirror.
“Yes, he is old-school and can rub people up the wrong way but it’s always in the pursuit of great television. It’s the best-rating breakfast show in the country - it’s not supposed to be a walk in the park.”
The source went on: “Some - Naga included - need to understand this. It feels like it’s a case of presenter power turfing out a brilliant journalist.”
Munchetty’s co-host Charlie Stayt is also believed to have a turbulent relationship with Frediani.
The Standard has contacted Munchetty’s representative for comment.
Frediani took a leave of absence after staff reportedly submitted multiple complaints against him.
He was accused of shouting, swearing and creating an intimidating working environment, sources told Deadline. The allegations date back further than his time at the BBC.
Former colleagues at ITN have also reportedly described Frediani as a “bully,” echoing similar claims of inappropriate workplace behaviour.
Frediani, who has been in charge of BBC Breakfast since 2019 and more recently also took on the News at One, has not responded publicly to the claims. The BBC has said it treats all complaints about workplace conduct “extremely seriously.”
In April, it was claimed Muchetty was “barely speaking” to Frediani after allegedly accusing him of bullying and misconduct.
A source told The Times: "Fredi has no relationship with Charlie [Strayt] and Naga, which is weird when they are half of his frontline presenting roster.
“It appears he doesn't like them and they don't like him — for whatever reason, they don't talk to each other."
