In a festive broadcasting tradition, BBC Radio 4 has unveiled its lineup of guest editors for the Today programme, featuring former Prime Minister Theresa May and double Oscar-winning actor Cate Blanchett.
May's Focus on Trust and Accountability
Theresa May will take the editorial chair on New Year's Eve, using her platform to investigate themes that have defined much of her political career. The former Conservative leader, who resigned in 2019 with an emotional statement about the honour of serving, will examine the critical issue of dwindling trust in political institutions.
This focus aligns with arguments May previously made in her memoirs, where she contended that abuse of power has significantly eroded public confidence in democracy. Her analysis pointed to national disasters including the Hillsborough tragedy and the Grenfell Tower fire as key moments where trust was damaged. While her book received praise for its examination of these issues, May faced criticism for not being more open about her own government's shortcomings.
The BBC confirmed that May's edition will also explore domestic violence and modern slavery. Her personal interest in cricket is expected to feature, though this may prove contentious given her previous decision to knight cricketer Geoffrey Boycott, a convicted domestic abuser, in her resignation honours list.
Blanchett's AI Concerns and Broader Themes
Cate Blanchett will guest edit on 27 December, bringing her perspective from the world of cinema to the flagship news programme. The acclaimed actor's edition will tackle the growing impact of artificial intelligence on women working in the film industry, a subject about which she has expressed deep concern.
Last year, Blanchett told the BBC she felt "deeply concerned" about emerging technologies, questioning their practical benefits. "I'm looking at these robots and driverless cars and I don't really know what that's bringing anybody," she remarked during her interview.
Her programme will extend beyond technology to explore sustainability in fashion, national responses to the refugee crisis, and the therapeutic benefits of gardening. This diverse range of topics reflects Blanchett's broader interests and advocacy work beyond her acting career.
Countering Perspectives and Additional Editors
Providing a contrasting viewpoint on artificial intelligence, AI entrepreneur Mustafa Suleyman will guest edit on 29 December. His programme will address whether society can cope with superintelligence and what measures are necessary to ensure the technology serves humanity's best interests.
The full roster of guest editors includes several other prominent figures: veteran broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, who stepped down from presenting In Our Time after 27 years; historian and podcaster Tom Holland; and businessman and inventor Sir James Dyson.
Owenna Griffiths, the editor of Today, expressed enthusiasm for this year's selections: "Every Christmas on Today, a new set of guest editors take up residence and bring with them a wonderful range of new stories, fresh ideas and, hopefully, a sprinkling of joy. This year is no exception."
She added: "In a rapidly changing world, this year's guest editors will help bring illumination and understanding, and I'm enormously grateful to all of them for giving up the time to take part."
