April 18 – BBC Radio 4 has today announced that after a highly competitive process, Nuala McGovern has been appointed to present Woman’s Hour on Monday – Wednesday each week, starting Monday 13 May. She joins Anita Rani, who will now present from Thursday – Saturday.

Nuala is already a much-loved voice for Woman’s Hour listeners, having previously hosted the programme in 2023 to cover Emma Barnett’s maternity leave. She hosted the live reveal of the Woman’s Hour 2023 Power List, which included interviewing captain of the England women’s football team, Leah Williamson, who topped the list. During her time on the programme, Nuala interviewed an incredible line-up of women including Malala Yousafzai, Laura Dern, Rosamund Pike, Arlo Parks, and the Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police Dame Lynne Owens, who spoke about women’s safety.

Nuala brings a wealth of live broadcasting experience to Woman’s Hour: in her 20-year career, she has presented across the BBC network, and is currently one of the leading presenters on the BBC World Service. She has reported for the BBC from over 30 countries on many of the most important events in recent history, including as part of BBC radio’s prestigious ceremonial team, commentating at both the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III and as the lead presenter for Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C. for the World Service. As well as journalistic rigor, Nuala is known for her warm and empathetic approach to interviews, making her the perfect fit for the diverse range of stories covered by Woman’s Hour.

Woman’s Hour listeners will also be able to enjoy listening to Anita Rani present the Thursday, Friday and Saturday editions of the programme. An RTS Award-winning broadcaster with a career spanning nearly 20 years, Anita is popular with BBC Radio listeners as well as being a familiar face on TV. She has presented Woman’s Hour since 2021.

Nuala McGovern says: “To be chosen as the next presenter of Woman’s Hour fills me with joy. It is a real privilege to present this extraordinary programme. I’m looking forward to working with the superb Woman’s Hour team on the rigorous journalism expected on women’s issues but also making time for escapism and fun. I’m especially looking forward to getting back to the Woman’s Hour listeners, I have missed them.”

Anita Rani says: “I’m thrilled that Nuala is joining Team Woman’s Hour. She’s a brilliant broadcaster – and it really is the best gig in radio. Like our listeners, I love hearing Nuala when I’m not presenting. What a tag team we will be – time to take Woman’s Hour to the next level!”

Karen Dalziel, Editor of Woman’s Hour, said: “I’m delighted that Nuala McGovern is joining Woman’s Hour. She’s an exceptional journalist who brings an astonishing range of broadcasting experience to this role. Nuala has a deep curiosity about the issues that matter to women, and the intellect and warmth to bring them to life for our listeners. Paired with the skill and effervescence of Anita Rani our audience are in for a real treat 6 days a week.”

Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller, Radio 4 & Radio 4 Extra said, “After a terrific stint covering for Emma last year, I am thrilled that Nuala is returning to Woman’s Hour to fill those big shoes permanently. Nuala is an incisive journalist, with a broad hinterland and an infectious, on-air warmth that is perfectly suited to Woman’s Hour. I am also delighted that the brilliant Anita Rani will increase her commitment to the programme by adding Thursdays to her broadcasting week. Together they will make a formidable team, discussing the issues that matter most to women for the Radio 4 audience.”

About Nuala McGovern

Nuala’s 20-year career in TV and radio has taken her around the world to cover some of the most important stories in recent history. Nuala is one of the leading presenters on the BBC World Service and an established TV presenter on BBC News. She will continue to be a regular presenter on the BBC World Service’s Newshour programme. The first part of Nuala’s career was in New York as editor of the flagship public radio show on WNYC. She has won multiple awards for her journalism, including a Peabody for Excellence in Broadcasting and AIBs for her documentary ‘Remembering those Lost to Covid 19’, another for ‘The Resignation of Robert Mugabe’. She has also been recognised by Amnesty International and One World Media for her reporting, programmes and documentary on irregular migration to Europe.

About Anita Rani

An RTS Award winning broadcaster and Sunday Times bestseller with a career spanning nearly 20 years, Anita Rani is a hugely popular radio and TV presenter and author. She has become a familiar face on television as one of the lead presenters on BBC One’s Countryfile and has recently presented Channel 4’s Aldi’s Next Big Thing which returned for its second series in 2024. She has authored two bestselling books – her debut book The Right Sort of Girl was released in 2021, documenting her upbringing and in 2023 she published her first novel Baby Does a Runner. She also recently took on the position of Chancellor of the University of Bradford and has created The Rani Scholarship supporting women in underrepresented subjects and industries.

About Woman’s Hour

Woman’s Hour broadcasts live on BBC Radio 4 at 10am Mondays-Fridays, with Weekend Woman’s Hour at 4pm on Saturdays. The daily podcast can be downloaded from BBC Sounds.