I wrote recently about the departure of Melvyn Bragg as host of the BBC radio show and podcast “In Our Time,” and about my surprising feelings on hearing that news.
Here’s an update. BBC Radio 4 has named Misha Glenny as the new host, with the series returning in January.
Glenny is a historian, author and broadcaster. He has written books exploring the networks of global crime and the impact of technology on security and society; he also told the origin stories of 15 countries in a series called “The Invention Of …” and has presented programs like “The Secret History of the World” and “The Rise and Rise of the Microchip.”
Mohit Bakaya, controller of BBC Radio 4 and director of BBC Speech Audio, said in the announcement: “His understanding of international affairs, science, culture and history, combined with his ability to make complex subjects engaging, makes him the ideal person to build on Melvyn Bragg’s remarkable legacy.”
He sounds like a great choice, though I’m not familiar with his work. I loved that in commenting about his new role, Glenny called it an honor and said that the show’s success “is testament to Melvyn’s extraordinary stewardship and his forensic curiosity.”
I love that phrase, forensic curiosity. It captures the essence of “In Our Time.”
Many readers told me they enjoyed my earlier column about Bragg. Here’s a link to the column about his departure and what my reaction told me about the ongoing power of audio and radio to touch lives.
“In Our Time” features discussions on history, philosophy, science and culture. Each show typically features three academics interacting with the host.
The organization said it is one of the BBC’s most listened to on-demand programs and has a strong appeal to younger listeners. Bragg stepped down after almost 1,100 episodes over 27 years.
