Bold claim: a legendary program deserves a host who can carry its weight, and Misha Glenny steps into the spotlight as Radio 4’s In Our Time new presenter. This selection underscores how highly BBC values the show—launched in 1998 by Melvyn Bragg and adored for its rigorous, wide-ranging discussions. To find Bragg’s successor, the BBC conducted extensive auditions, reaching far and wide and courting prominent figures, including Stephen Fry, with a number of seasoned radio professionals auditioning multiple times. On Wednesday, the decision was announced: Misha Glenny, a journalist, broadcaster, and author renowned for his expertise on Eastern Europe and for works like McMafia: Seriously Organised Crime, which BBC later adapted into a popular drama starring James Norton.
Glenny, 67, is already a familiar voice to Radio 4 listeners through his hosting of The Invention Of… series—exploring the origins and histories of nations and cultures—as well as The Secret History of the World and The Rise and Rise of the Microchip.
Commentary from enthusiasts and observers is mixed with anticipation. One fan notes that they have listened to every In Our Time episode and highlights a curated list of standout episodes (link: The Times). Glenny’s first episode is scheduled for January 15, though the BBC has yet to disclose the initial subject. The new host calls the appointment a "huge honour" and praises Bragg’s extraordinary leadership and investigative curiosity, while promising to bring his own expansive curiosity about the world and the ideas shaping it.
Bragg, who shepherded more than a thousand editions on topics ranging from avian migration to Fermat’s last theorem and the moon before stepping down, offered his blessing to Glenny. He described Glenny as possessing breadth of knowledge and a talent for clear, engaging conversation that makes him well suited for guiding these dialogues into the future. Bragg wishes him and the program continued success.
In a Christmas Eve Today appearance, guest-edited by Bragg, Glenny will outline his plans for the show. For many listeners, Bragg’s shoes are notably hard to fill. Mohit Bakaya, Radio 4’s controller, acknowledged the difficulty of imagining In Our Time without Bragg. A BBC insider even likened Glenny’s appointment to the 2013 transition when David Moyes succeeded Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, a comparison that hints at the heavy lift ahead for the new host.
Bragg’s tenure was defined by steadfast adherence to the program’s core principles and a chair that could be, at times, formidable. He insisted on staying away from topical, “relevant” comparisons and enforced meticulous, up-front research from his production team, who approached preparation with the rigor of an A-level. He also refined the show’s three-act structure—thesis, antithesis, synthesis—and later added a fourth act for podcast editions, inviting guests to explore material that didn’t fit into broadcast time. Fans hope this structure remains intact, and the BBC shares that sentiment given In Our Time’s status as one of the corporation’s most beloved podcasts with a global audience. It’s widely regarded as a hard act to follow.
For further reflections on the program and Bragg’s impact, readers can explore radio reviews and interviews linked in coverage.
Would Glenny’s leadership bring equally strong, debate-primed conversations to the show, or will the dynamic shift in pace and emphasis? Share your thoughts in the comments about what makes a host truly worthy of In Our Time’s mantle.
