BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty was branded ‘useless’ in her days working for newspapers
(Picture: BBC)Television presenter Naga Munchetty has recalled the time she was branded “b****y useless” in her early days as a journalist, before becoming one of the leading broadcasters in Britain.
Munchetty, 47, is most recognised by viewers for appearing alongside co-host Charlie Stayt on BBC Breakfast.
Her journey to the red sofa, though, has been less than smooth, she revealed in a new interview as she discussed the beginning of her journalism career.
Munchetty spoke about her early work experiences as part of a BBC 100th anniversary special.
She shared how she began her career at the City pages of the London Evening Standard, before heading to the Observer to cover the business section.
Munchetty endured her harshest criticisms from bosses at this time, bringing her to tears on several occasions, and had her copy thrown at her once, she shockingly revealed.
The BBC Breakfast host told Radio Times: “I was told I was b****y useless. I did go home many a day in tears, but equally, I learnt not to make mistakes, that mistakes weren’t acceptable.
“That fear of making a mistake meant that you did your research twice as well, and to the best of your ability.”
Munchetty credits the early times in her career, though difficult, for making her into the journalist she is today.
Elsewhere in the interview, Munchetty spoke of how, after sharing her keenness to present live on air, she was told to “toughen up” as she was deemed “quite sensitive”, giving her a much-needed reality check.
The Radio 5 Live host went on to champion the BBC, following the network’s coverage of the Queen’s death last month.
Munchetty said: “In thepast month or so - with the death of the Queen - the importance of the BBC and its place in our homes has been really emphasised.
“It was an immense privilege to be part of the funeral, commentating for Radio 5 Live.”
