Mishal Husain has pushed back against the idea that personality-led journalism has to come with ego. The respected broadcaster, who spent over a decade at BBC Radio 4's Today programme, has made a quiet but powerful return to longform interviews as the editor at large of Bloomberg Weekend Edition.
In a new interview with British Vogue, Husain reflected on how she approached her role at Today. Without directly addressing the arrival of new presenters Amol Rajan and Emma Barnett, who have brought a more informal and personal tone to the show, Husain made her own philosophy clear.
"What was true to me was that I would very rarely use the word 'I' on air" she said. "I would quite often say we have talked to someone because broadcasting is a team effort." Her words actually suggest a clear contrast to the current editorial direction of Today, which has divided listeners in recent months.
While she acknowledges that personality-driven journalism is becoming more common, Husain does not believe it has to come at the cost of integrity. "It does not have to be about the presenters centring themselves. Hopefully, if they are a personality with journalistic values, then they can be a conduit to the news."
Former BBC Today presenter Mishal Husain speaks out on the evolving tone of broadcast journalism and the importance of ego-free reportingGetty Images
Husain, who joined the BBC in 1998, has hosted major political debates and interviewed key figures including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Despite being overlooked for high-profile roles like the BBC's Sunday politics show and the News at Ten, she says she never felt entitled to those jobs.
"I do not look at either of those roles and think I should have done them or wish I was doing them now," she said. Husain also made it clear she avoided using external offers to negotiate better pay at the BBC, unlike some of her colleagues.
Her comments come at a time when the BBC and other media outlets are facing scrutiny for how they report on conflicts like the Israel Gaza war. Husain criticised the lack of access to Palestinian civilian stories due to the ban on foreign reporters, saying both sides deserve to have their stories told.
In a changing media landscape, Husain’s voice is one of quiet conviction and thoughtful journalism. It is this clarity of purpose, a deep respect for both the profession and the people it serves, that defines Husain’s voice in journalism. Quiet, yes. But never passive.
The singer jokingly texted Clairo saying, "Let's f**k her up," sparking an online frenzy
Why Charli XCX jokingly declared war on Peppa Pig after one viral comment
Highlights
What started as a playful celebrity game has turned into one of the internet's most unexpected viral moments, with Charli XCX jokingly threatening to "f**k up" Peppa Pig after the beloved cartoon character appeared to dismiss singer Clairo.
The exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing reactions from fans and fellow musicians, while turning an unlikely clash between a pop star and a fictional children's character into a trending talking point.
Peppa Pig's viral remark sparked the joke
The playful exchange began during Peppa Pig's appearance in Pitchfork's Over/Under game, where the animated character rated a selection of music artists.
While expressing admiration for acts including PinkPantheress and The Beatles, Peppa responded to Clairo by saying, "I don't know her," a line widely recognised as a reference to Mariah Carey's famous response when asked about Jennifer Lopez.
The remark, accompanied by a knowing glance at the camera, quickly gained traction online.
Charli XCX rushed to Clairo's defence
After seeing the clip, Charli XCX privately messaged Clairo, writing, "Let's f**k her up," alongside a screenshot of the viral post.
Clairo later shared the exchange on social media, prompting thousands of reactions from fans, many of whom responded with pig and bacon-themed jokes.
PinkPantheress, whom Peppa had praised in the original video, also joined the conversation, posting a message supporting Clairo.
As the exchange continued, Clairo responded to the growing attention with humour, replying to posts before eventually telling followers, "ok that's enoughhhhh lolllllllllll."
Some fans joked that the viral moment was the perfect opportunity for the singer to announce new music, though Clairo replied that she did not have anything ready to share.
Her most recent album, Charm, was released in 2024, with its accompanying tour concluding in 2025.
Charli XCX keeps her focus on new music
While the online joke continued to gather momentum, Charli XCX did not publicly add to the exchange.
Instead, the singer has been focusing on promoting her upcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film, which is scheduled for release on July 24.
Although fans speculated that one of the track titles could be a playful nod to the viral exchange, there has been no indication that the album references the light-hearted social media moment.