University Challenge host Amol Rajan is to step down from the Radio 4 Today programme later this year to set up his own media production company.
Rajan will stay on as host of the long-running, dock10-shot student quiz, as well as his Radical with Amol Rajan podcast.
Rajan has been part of Today’s presenting team since 2021, having joined the BBC in 2016 as its first media editor.
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Amol Rajan said: “The pips have sounded, and it’s time to get my coat. Leaving Today might be mad. This team is the best of the best: consistently world class, and exceptionally well-led by Owenna Griffiths and Mohit Bakaya. I will always feel like I played in the editorial version of Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, or Steve Waugh’s Australia.
“I genuinely couldn’t be prouder of Amol Rajan Interviews, which will stand the test of time. Travelling all around the world (or indeed Essex) to spend so much time with so many icons has been an unforgettable privilege.
“Twenty years after I first flirted with the idea, I’m extremely excited to jump into the Great Digital Narnia of the creator economy, and build my own company. I’ll still do Britain’s oldest TV quiz and most exciting podcast.
“But Del Boy was my hero growing up, and it’s time to unleash my inner entrepreneur. I am very much not leaving the BBC, Britain’s noblest cultural institution, whose Reithian spirit is such a generous gift to a world in flux. It’s that world I’m heading for, and I’m excited.”
Owenna Griffiths, editor of Today, said: “Amol is an exceptional talent with a rare combination of intellectual dexterity, impressive breadth of interest and a brilliant sense of humour. Moreover – and perhaps, most importantly – he is a great team player who always champions the hard work of producers. It has been enormous fun working with him on Today and setting up Radical. He will be sorely missed.”
Mohit Bakaya, director of speech and controller of BBC Radio 4, added: “Amol has brought a distinctive intellectual energy and curiosity to Today that we will be really sad to lose. However, I’m pleased that he will still be a regular presence on Radio 4; Radical has rapidly become one of our most compelling podcasts, and I’m sure there will be many other Radio 4 projects down the line. In the meantime, I wish him well with this next exciting phase of his career.”
A successor for Rajan on Today will be announced in due course.
