BBC Radio 4 has unveiled a stellar lineup of guest editors for its flagship Today programme this festive season, featuring former Prime Minister Baroness Theresa May, Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett, and inventor Sir James Dyson.
A Prestigious Festive Roster
The guest editors will each take the helm of an edition of the show between December 23 and January 1. They will be responsible for curating the programme's content and will also be interviewed on their own show. The impressive list also includes historian Tom Holland, broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, and AI entrepreneur Mustafa Suleyman.
Owenna Griffiths, editor of Today, expressed her enthusiasm for the annual tradition. "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 said. "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."
Diverse Editorial Agendas
The festive takeover begins with Melvyn Bragg, who will explore the origins of the nativity story. He will also reflect on changing social attitudes towards mental health and consider the value of culture in British society.
Sir James Dyson will lead a science-focused programme on Boxing Day. The founder of the Dyson company will investigate whether Britain can rediscover its inventive spirit. His episode will also delve into how close a cure for dementia might be, the transformative power of teachers, and the science behind long-distance running.
On December 27, Cate Blanchett will use her platform to examine the impact of evolving AI technology on women in the film industry. Her programme will also cover sustainability in fashion, national responses to the refugee crisis, and the soul-nourishing benefits of gardening.
AI, History, and Politics in Focus
Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, will guest edit on December 29. He will ask how society should navigate a post-superintelligence world and explore what AI means for core aspects of human existence, focusing on how to ensure the technology works in the interests of humankind.
Historian Tom Holland will take over on December 30, throwing an early party for England's 1,100th birthday. He will also explore AI's impact on academic research, mark 800 years of worship at Salisbury Cathedral, and celebrate the humble hedgehog.
Finally, on New Year's Eve, Baroness Theresa May will bring her political experience to the editor's chair. The former Conservative leader, who was Prime Minister between 2016 and 2019 and remained an MP until receiving a life peerage in 2024, will explore serious themes including domestic violence, trust in politics, and modern slavery. Her edit will also include lighter segments, reflecting on whether fact is stranger than fiction in her favourite spy novels and speaking about her passion for cricket.
