Melvyn Bragg has announced he is stepping down from BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time after 26 years in the role, and the star will be sorely missed by fans and fellow cast members
BBC Radio 4 legend Melvyn Bragg has departed In Our Time following more than 1,000 episodes at the helm of the acclaimed programme.
The broadcaster, who dedicated 26 years to the show, will bid farewell this week whilst remaining with BBC Radio 4 in other capacities.
Bragg reflected: “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.
“It’s been a great privilege and pleasure. I much look forward to continuing to work for the BBC on Radio 4. Thank you for listening.”
Bragg has been at the programme’s helm since its debut in 1998, reports the Mirror.
In Our Time delves into an extensive array of historical, scientific and philosophical subjects and ranks among Radio 4’s most triumphant discussion shows.
BBC Director General Tim Davie praised his contribution, saying: “Melvyn’s passion for the arts, his intellectual curiosity, and his unwavering commitment to public service broadcasting over the last 60-plus years have enriched the lives of millions.
“Through In Our Time on Radio 4 he has brought depth, insight, and humanity to our airwaves every single week for more than a quarter of a century. He leaves behind not just an extraordinary body of work, but a gold standard of broadcasting and interviewing excellence that will inspire generations to come.”
Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4, disclosed: “Melvyn has been part of the heartbeat of Radio 4 for over three decades.
“His fierce intellect, coupled with a wonderful curiosity and extraordinary passion for knowledge marks him out as one of the broadcasting greats.
“Though we will miss him on In Our Time, he leaves behind a unique legacy: the treasure trove of over 1,000 archive episodes, which are a wonderful resource for all those with a love of learning. I look forward to working with him on new projects for Radio 4.”
Bragg began his BBC career in 1961 as a general trainee, quickly progressing to the World Service.
He also spent a decade at the helm of Radio 4’s Start the Week programme from 1988 to 1998.
Beyond broadcasting, Bragg holds Honorary Fellowships with both the Royal Society and The British Academy, received a Peerage in 1998, and was awarded a Companion of Honour in 2017.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
