After greater than 1 / 4 of a century on the helm of one of many BBC’s most enduring programmes, Melvyn Bragg has introduced he’s stepping down from In Our Time on BBC Radio 4.
Bragg, 84, has introduced each episode of the long-running collection since its launch in 1998, clocking up effectively over 1,000 broadcasts.
The programme, which explores concepts spanning historical past, science, philosophy and tradition, has develop into one of many BBC’s most listened-to reveals worldwide and one of the widespread podcasts on BBC Sounds, significantly amongst under-35s.
Reflecting on his choice, Bragg stated: ‘For a programme with a completely deceptive title which began from scratch with a six-month contract, it’s been fairly a experience!
‘I’ve labored with many extraordinarily proficient and useful individuals contained in the BBC in addition to among the best lecturers world wide. It’s been an awesome privilege and pleasure.
‘I a lot look ahead to persevering with to work for the BBC on Radio 4. Thanks for listening.’
Through the years he has led discussions on topics starting from the age of the universe to Zenobia, Queen of the Palmyrene Empire, joined by main lecturers and thinkers.
His means to information complicated conversations with readability and curiosity has helped make In Our Time a touchstone for audiences throughout generations.
BBC Director Common Tim Davie paid tribute to Bragg’s influence, saying: ‘Melvyn’s ardour for the humanities, his mental curiosity, and his unwavering dedication to public service broadcasting during the last 60-plus years have enriched the lives of tens of millions.
‘By In Our Time on Radio 4 he has introduced depth, perception, and humanity to our airwaves each single week for greater than 1 / 4 of a century. He leaves behind not simply a rare physique of labor, however a gold customary of broadcasting and interviewing excellence that can encourage generations to come back.’
Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4, added: ‘Melvyn has been a part of the heartbeat of Radio 4 for over three a long time. His fierce mind, coupled with a beautiful curiosity and extraordinary ardour for data marks him out as one of many broadcasting greats.’
He continued: ‘Although we’ll miss him on In Our Time, he leaves behind a novel legacy: the treasure trove of over 1,000 archive episodes, that are a beautiful useful resource for all these with a love of studying.’
Though stepping down from the collection, Bragg will proceed his relationship with the BBC. Radio 4 plans to have a good time his extraordinary profession with a brand new collection in 2026, and later this yr a particular choice of his most cherished episodes of In Our Time can be broadcast and made out there on BBC Sounds.
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