Melvyn Bragg has announced he is leaving BBC Radio 4's In Our Time after hosting the programme for 27 years. The show, which he launched in October 1998, began as a low-audience slot but grew into one of the BBC's most popular on-demand programmes worldwide.
In Our Time explores the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world. It celebrated its 1,000th episode in 2023 and was the BBC's first podcast, remaining among the most popular on BBC Sounds for under-35s. Bragg has been the sole presenter throughout its run.
Bragg said: '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.'
His final episode, on civility and disagreement, aired in July. The show will continue with a new host yet to be announced. BBC director general Tim Davie praised Bragg's 'passion for the arts, intellectual curiosity and unwavering commitment to public service broadcasting'.
