Misha Glenny to Take the helm of BBC radio 4’s ‘In Our Time’
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A celebrated journalist and broadcaster, Misha glenny, will succeed Melvyn Bragg as the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship intellectual discussion programme, In Our Time, when the new series launches in January. The transition marks the end of an era after Bragg’s remarkable 27-year tenure, spanning over 1,000 episodes.
A Legacy of Intellectual Exploration
Since its debut in 1998, In Our Time has become a cornerstone of BBC Radio 4’s programming, renowned for its in-depth exploration of a wide range of topics, from history and beliefs to science and culture. The program, with its panel of leading experts, has consistently provided listeners with insightful and accessible discussions, fostering intellectual curiosity and connecting generations through a shared pursuit of knowledge.
The new series is scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 15th, on both Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, promising to continue the program’s tradition of engaging with leading experts on a diverse range of complex topics.
A Smooth Transition and a Special Broadcast
Listeners will have a unique possibility to witness the handover firsthand. Glenny will join Bragg for a special conversation during Bragg’s guest-edited edition of The Today Programme on December 24th, offering insights into the program’s legacy and its future direction.
According to a senior official at the BBC, “It’s hard to imagine In Our Time without Melvyn, but, with Misha Glenny stepping in, I know the programme will continue to thrive; serving as a engaging portal into the world of ideas and a resource for both students and the curious everywhere.”
Glenny’s Credentials and Vision
Glenny brings a distinguished career as a historian and broadcaster to the role. He is already a familiar voice to Radio 4 listeners, having presented the acclaimed “The Invention Of…” series, wich has explored the origins of 15 countries over the last decade. Other notable programs include The Rise and Rise of the Microchip and Continental Divides.
His expertise spans international affairs,science,culture,and history,coupled with a proven ability to make complex subjects accessible to a wide audience. This skillset, the BBC official stated, makes him “the ideal person to build on Melvyn Bragg’s remarkable legacy.”
Glenny himself expressed his honor at taking on the role, stating, “It is indeed a huge honour to take on the institution that is In Our Time. Its enduring success is testament to Melvyn’s extraordinary stewardship and his forensic curiosity, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of lively, informed conversation that listeners love.” He emphasized a shared curiosity about the world, tracing his own career from reporting on the fall of communism in Eastern europe to exploring the histories and cultures of various nations.
Bragg’s Endorsement and Future Prospects
Melvyn Bragg warmly welcomed Glenny’s appointment, saying, “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.”
Glenny’s background extends beyond radio.He is an award-winning author of several acclaimed books, including McMafia: Seriously Organised Crime (adapted into a BBC drama), DarkMarket: How Hackers Became the New Mafia, and Nemesis: One Man and the Battle for Rio. Currently serving as Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna,Glenny’s work consistently explores the intersection of global crime,technology,and society.
The appointment signals a continuation of In Our Time’s commitment to intellectual rigor and engaging discourse, promising a vibrant future for one of BBC Radio 4’s most cherished programs.
