The host of PM on BBC Radio 4, Eddie Mair, will join LBC for a new show in September.
Mair joined the BBC programme in 1998, becoming its sole presenter in 2003. He has also presented BBC Two’s Newsnight, BBC Three’s Seven O’Clock News and other radio programmes. Eddie Mair leaves the BBC after more than 30 years in August.
“It’s 31 years since I joined the BBC, 25 years since I first presented PM, and 20 since it became my main gig. I thought this was the appropriate moment to step out and give someone else a chance, before I’m so old my sentences make no lasagne,” said Mair.
Eddie Mair hosts his final edition of PM on Friday 17 August. A new host for the programme will be announced “in due course”.
A time slot for Mair’s new LBC programme has not yet been announced, but the presenter says he is eager to get to work on the new show.
“LBC has established itself as a ground-breaking broadcaster. Innovative, informed and fun with appointment-to-listen shows and a reputation for setting the agenda, its growth has been driven by bosses and staff who are passionate about radio, which is why I am eager to get started.”
The line-up on LBC includes Nick Ferrari, James O’Brien, Iain Dale and Shelagh Fogarty, who joined the station from BBC Radio 5 live in 2015.
James Rea, managing editor of LBC and group head of news at Global, said: “Eddie is a hugely respected broadcaster and I’m looking forward to adding him to our phenomenal presenter line-up. I know Eddie’s new show will be exceptional when it launches in September.”
Gwyneth Williams, Controller of BBC Radio 4, said: “Eddie is a consummate broadcaster. You want to be in his hands when news breaks and I remember too, with respect, but also personal sadness, his conversations with Steve Hewlett during Steve’s illness. I would like to thank him for his commitment over so many years to PM, Radio 4 and our audience.”
Originally a radio station for London, LBC has been available across the UK on DAB digital radio since 2014. It’s now also available in apps and on LBC.co.uk as well as 97.3 FM in the capital.