Andrew Marr, who has been with the BBC for 21 years, announced that he is leaving after a successful run of his Sunday Morning Political Programme.
Marr indicated that he is ‘keen’ to hear his own voice again and plans to concentrate now on political and cultural radio programs for Global as well writing for newspapers.
The 62-year-old, who earns up to £339,999 a year at the BBC, added that leaving to join Global would give him ‘a new freedom’ to do journalism with ‘no filter’.
Veteran broadcaster from Glasgow, he joined BBC as political editor in May 2000. He later served 16 years as the head of Sunday’s show on the BBC.
Global said Marr will be presenting new shows on LBC and Classic FM, a new weekly podcast on Global Player, and will also write a regular column for LBC’s website.
Marr sent this tweet today: “Personal announcement.” After 21 years with the BBC, I am leaving. Many happy memories were shared with me by my wonderful coworkers.
Andrew Marr will host new radio shows starting in next year on Classic FM (LBC)
“But I will be moving to Global in the New Year to present and write political and culture shows and for newspaper writing.
“I believe British politics will go through an even more turbulent decade. As I have said before, I want to get my voice back.
“I’ve been on the Andrew Marr Show every Sunday for 16 years and it is more than enough for anyone!”
Global issued a statement saying that Marr had added, “Coming To Global Gives Me a New Freedom – To Do Fast-paced, Very Regular Political Journalism on LBC With No Filter in My Complete Voice”
Classic FM will feature me exploring classical music and the culture in general with some surprise guests. “I feel like I’m part of a young, ambitious, and exciting company.
Marr received an annual salary from the BBC of up to £339,999 in the 2020/2021 year for his work on The Andrew Marr Show, Radio 4’s Start the Week, documentaries for BBC One and election night.
This was down from a salary of up to £364,999 in 2019/2020, and up to £394,999 in 2018/2019.
Global stated that his opinion-led program on LBC would be fully visualized on Global Player. He will also ‘give his views on the most pressing issues, as well as agenda-setting guests.
Marr hosted The Andrew Marr Show for 16 years, BBC’s most popular political program. Pictured is Marr interviewing Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
According to the company, he would be joining Britain’s largest commercial news station. It has recorded its best ever listening numbers with over three million viewers tuning in each week across the UK.
Global founder Ashley Tabor King said that Andrew was a highly respected journalist and broadcaster. Global is honored to have him join the family especially as we celebrate record numbers.
“LBC takes the next step. Andrew Marr’s appearance will not be missed and Classic FM is thrilled that he’ll be joining the incredible line-up of presenters at LBC.
Marr will be joining a group of LBC presenters, including Nick Ferrari (James O’Brien), Eddie Mair and Shelagh Folgarty), Iain Dale. David Lammy, Camilla Tominey, Matt Frei, and Shelagh Froggarty.
He will join Moira Stewart, Alexander Armstrong, John Suchet and Margherita Klass as Classic FM’s new host.
James Rea (Director of Broadcasting and Content at Global) said, “It’s fantastic to welcome an Andrew-caliber broadcaster to Global.
“We’re looking forward to him bringing both his political expertise to LBC in such an exciting moment for the station as well his passion for classical and other arts to Classic FM. He will be a great addition to our listening and interaction with the audience starting next year.
Marr hosted The Andrew Marr Show for 16 years, BBC’s most popular political program. He also regularly broadcasts on BBC Radio 4.
His books include more than 12 books. He’s also an author and documentary maker.