Two of the BBC’s biggest Jewish stars have left the corporation after years to start a new venture at broadcast rivals Global media.
Jon Sopel and Emily Maitlis, the hosts of the successful Americast podcast have revealed they’re both leaving the BBC after a combined tenure of over 40 years.
The pair announced on twitter that they've signed a deal with LBC owners Global to front a new podcast for the network. They haven't revealed any details of the project but Sopel said on Twitter: "opportunities like this just don't come along very often"
Some work news - @BBCJonSopel and I are going to launch a brand new podcast with @Global, exec produced by @dinosofos. It’s an amazing opportunity to do something we all love, and we are so thrilled Global is giving us this opportunity to be big and ambitious with this project.
— emily m (@maitlis) February 22, 2022
Ms. Maitlis spoke of her sadness at leaving the corporation, saying: "It will be a wrench to leave the BBC after 20 phenomenal years. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had there. More than anything I’m grateful to have worked with the most incredible people - many of whom are dear friends. I owe my BBC colleagues everything."
The BBC has seen several high-profile presenters leave in recent months with veteran presenter Andrew Marr also joining Global to present shows on LBC and Classic FM.
Jewish BBC contributor YY Rubinstein also left the BBC after 30 years in January citing the corporation's handling of antisemitism allegations and concerns over bias.
In the first interview since his resignation from the BBC, Rabbi YY Rubinstein slams the corporation for its reporting of the Oxford St. Chanukah antisemitism incident pic.twitter.com/Ooklxv5Qwh
— The Jewish Chronicle (@JewishChron) January 4, 2022
Sopel and Maitlis were both discussed as potential successors to Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg, who announced she was stepping down from the role earlier this year.
