John Humphrys, who presented the Today programme for more than 30 years, has launched a pointed critique of its current incarnation, describing it as 'irritating' in a Guardian article. The veteran broadcaster, now a listener, complains of 'gratuitous gratitude' and 'gushing' between hosts and guests, as well as persistent rhetorical tics.
Humphrys on Gratuitous Gratitude
Humphrys writes: 'It’s not so much the really important stuff that gets the harrumphing going. It’s the stuff that challenges the meaning of IQ. In my new listener mode, IQ stands for “irritation quotient”, and it’s largely to do with the way the presenters communicate.' He highlights the exchange of thanks between host and guest, noting that guests often say 'Thank you SO much for inviting me on!' He suggests the correct response should be: 'On the contrary. Without someone to interview there’d be no programme.' Instead, he observes a 'gushing contest' between host and guest.
Criticism of Presenter Chats and Verbal Tics
Humphrys also expresses annoyance at presenters having 'a little chat with each other about the significance (or otherwise) of an interview one of them has just completed,' noting that even some presenters appear uncomfortable with this. He further criticises the overuse of fillers like 'y’ know' and 'I mean' by contributors and occasionally presenters.
Amol Rajan Singled Out
Humphrys singles out presenter Amol Rajan, who has announced he is leaving the show, for his 'insistence on emphasising, without fail, the definite and indefinite articles in any given sentence.' Humphrys gives an example: 'In his world, “A” bomb has exploded in “THE” Palace of Westminster.' He adds, 'My apologies to you, dear reader, if you’ve never spotted it, but if you hadn’t, I bet you will now.'
Rajan's Departure and Show's Popularity
Despite Humphrys' criticism, there is genuine dismay inside the show at Rajan's departure, with senior figures seeing his engaging style as crucial to keeping the programme relevant. The Today programme still commands well over 5 million listeners a week, despite the digital revolution in media.
Humphrys on Budget Cuts
Humphrys admits BBC executives may view his feedback as that of a 'pain in the arse.' He says he may stop listening if budget cuts go further, though he acknowledges the show has been more protected than others. Previous cuts saw the show lose its dedicated correspondents. He writes: 'Otiose? Almost always. Irritating? Profoundly. But would I really die on this hill? Possibly not. Then again … y’know? And if the big bosses persist in cutting its budget so it sometimes has to use last night’s TV news report and becomes less “Today” and more “Yesterday” – then Radio 3, here I come!'
