John Humphrys has launched a scathing attack on the current presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, describing their communication style as 'profoundly irritating' in a new Guardian column. The veteran broadcaster, who hosted the flagship current affairs show for 33 years before leaving in 2019, now finds himself 'shouting at his radio' about the programme's evolution.
Humphrys Criticises Amol Rajan's Emphatic Speaking Style
Humphrys singled out Amol Rajan's habit of overemphasising definite and indefinite articles. 'In his world, “A” bomb has exploded in “THE” palace of Westminster,' Humphrys wrote, mimicking Rajan's delivery. Rajan announced earlier this year that he would leave the Today programme to establish his own production company; his replacement has not yet been confirmed.
While Humphrys acknowledged that chief presenters Justin Webb, Nick Robinson, and Amol Rajan are 'as good as they come,' he criticised their tendency to use filler words such as 'y'know' and 'I mean,' as well as 'gushing' thanks that eat into interview time. 'Some presenters are more guilty than others,' he added.
From Broadcaster to Listener: Humphrys Reflects
Humphrys, 82, joined the BBC in 1966 and rose to become one of the corporation's most recognisable voices, known for his forthright interview style that reportedly made booking guests challenging. He also presented the quiz show Mastermind. In 2017, he faced scrutiny as one of the BBC's highest-paid earners, earning nearly £1 million for his radio and television work, while colleague Mishal Husain was on £250,000 and Sarah Montague earned less than £150,000.
Concluding his column, Humphrys wrote: 'Otiose? Almost always. Irritating? Profoundly. But would I really die on this hill? Possibly not. Then again … y'know?'
