Imagine the thrill of stepping into the shoes of a broadcasting legend—now, that's exactly what's happening with the beloved Radio 4 show In Our Time, and it's got everyone talking! This highbrow discussion program, launched back in 1998 by the iconic Melvyn Bragg, has been a staple for intellectual deep dives, covering everything from ancient history to modern science. But here's where it gets controversial: the BBC went all out with a massive search for Bragg's successor, auditioning a who's who of big names—rumor has it even Stephen Fry was in the mix—and now, the coveted role has landed with journalist, broadcaster, and author Misha Glenny. At 67, Glenny's no stranger to Radio 4 audiences; he's hosted series like The Invention Of …, which delves into the fascinating histories and origins of various nations and cultures, plus The Secret History of the World and The Rise and Rise of the Microchip. He's also penned acclaimed books such as McMafia: Seriously Organised Crime, which was turned into a gripping BBC drama starring James Norton, showcasing his expertise on Eastern Europe and organized crime.
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Glenny's inaugural episode of In Our Time is set to broadcast on January 15, though the BBC is keeping the topic under wraps for now. He expressed deep gratitude for the honor, lauding Bragg's "extraordinary stewardship and his forensic curiosity," and vowed to infuse the show with his own "deep curiosity about the world and the ideas that shape it." Bragg, who helmed over 1,000 episodes exploring topics as diverse as bird migration, St. Paul, Fermat's last theorem, and the moon before retiring this year, wholeheartedly endorsed his replacement: "It has been an extraordinary privilege to present In Our Time for so many years and I am delighted that Misha will be taking on the role. His breadth of knowledge and gift for clear, engaging conversation make him ideally suited to guide these discussions into the future. I wish him and the programme every success."
And this is the part most people miss—Glenny will spill more on his vision during a special Christmas Eve edition of the Today programme, guest-edited by Bragg himself. For many fans, the Cumbrian icon will be an incredibly tough act to follow. Even Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya confessed, "it's hard to imagine In Our Time without Melvyn," while a BBC insider likened Glenny's challenge to David Moyes stepping in for Alex Ferguson at Manchester United after Ferguson's legendary 26-year reign as the most successful manager in the club's history.
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Bragg's secret to success? He was a resolute chair, fiercely upholding the show's core ethos of "never knowingly relevant"—meaning he'd swiftly correct guests who tried to draw ties between historical topics and current political issues. The program was meticulously researched by a dedicated team, who jokingly described prepping for each episode as akin to cramming for an A-level exam weekly. Moreover, Bragg crafted a elegant three-act structure: thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, with a bonus fourth act added for podcast editions where guests could explore off-air tangents. Fans are crossing their fingers this format stays intact, as In Our Time is not just a top BBC podcast but boasts a massive global following. Still, is Glenny up to the task, or could this shift alter the show's essence? That's a debate worth having—some might argue Bragg's strict rules kept discussions pure and academic, while others wonder if a touch more modern relevance could broaden the appeal. What do you think: Should In Our Time evolve with the times, or stick rigidly to its historical roots? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree Glenny's the right pick, or is there someone else you'd have chosen?
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