BBC Radio star Melvyn Bragg quits hit show after 26 years on air

BBC Radio 4 star Melvyn Bragg has stepped down from In Our Time after hosting more than 1,000 episodes of the programme. Bragg, who was part of the show for 26 years, will be leaving the programme this week but will continue working for BBC Radio 4.

Bragg anounced: “For a programme with a wholly misleading title which started from scratch with a six-month contract, it’s been quite a ride. I have worked with many extremely talented and helpful people inside the BBC as well as some of the greatest academics around the world.

“It’s been a great privilege and pleasure. I much look forward to continuing to work for the BBC on Radio 4. Thank you for listening.”

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Bragg has presented the show since it first launched in 1998.

In Our Time is a programme exploring a wide range of historical, scientific and philosophical topics and is one of Radio 4's most successful discussion programmes.

Tim Davie, BBC Director General, said of his departure: “Melvyn’s passion for the arts, his intellectual curiosity, and his unwavering commitment to public service broadcasting over the last 60-plus years have enriched the lives of millions.

"Through In Our Time on Radio 4 he has brought depth, insight, and humanity to our airwaves every single week for more than a quarter of a century. He leaves behind not just an extraordinary body of work, but a gold standard of broadcasting and interviewing excellence that will inspire generations to come.”

Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4, revealed: "Melvyn has been part of the heartbeat of Radio 4 for over three decades.

"His fierce intellect, coupled with a wonderful curiosity and extraordinary passion for knowledge marks him out as one of the broadcasting greats.

"Though we will miss him on In Our Time, he leaves behind a unique legacy: the treasure trove of over 1,000 archive episodes, which are a wonderful resource for all those with a love of learning. I look forward to working with him on new projects for Radio 4.”

Bragg joined the BBC in 1961 as a general trainee, with him soon moving onto to work on World Service. He also had a decade-long stint presenting Radio 4's Start the Week between 1988 and 1998.

Not only is Bragg an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society and The British Academy, he was also given a Peerage in 1998 and a Companion of Honour in 2017.

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