After more than a quarter of a century at the helm of one of the BBC’s most enduring programmes, Melvyn Bragg has announced he is stepping down from In Our Time on BBC Radio 4.
Bragg, 84, has presented every episode of the long-running series since its launch in 1998, clocking up well over 1,000 broadcasts.
The programme, which explores ideas spanning history, science, philosophy and culture, has become one of the BBC’s most listened-to shows worldwide and one of the most popular podcasts on BBC Sounds, particularly among under-35s.
Reflecting on his decision, Bragg said: ‘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.’
Over the years he has led discussions on subjects ranging from the age of the universe to Zenobia, Queen of the Palmyrene Empire, joined by leading academics and thinkers.
His ability to guide complex conversations with clarity and curiosity has helped make In Our Time a touchstone for audiences across generations.
BBC Director General Tim Davie paid tribute to Bragg’s impact, 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, added: ‘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.’
He continued: ‘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.’
Although stepping down from the series, Bragg will continue his relationship with the BBC. Radio 4 plans to celebrate his extraordinary career with a new series in 2026, and later this year a special selection of his most cherished episodes of In Our Time will be broadcast and made available on BBC Sounds.
Born in Wigton, Cumbria in 1939, Bragg joined the BBC in 1961 as a general trainee. His career has encompassed the World Service, a decade presenting Start the Week (1988–1998), and countless arts and culture programmes.
He is also widely known as the creator and long-time presenter of ITV’s The South Bank Show.
Alongside broadcasting, Bragg is an acclaimed novelist and cultural historian. His works include The Hired Man, The Soldier’s Return and Now Is The Time, as well as non-fiction titles such as The Adventure of English and Rich: The Life of Richard Burton.
His contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including a peerage in 1998 and appointment as a Companion of Honour in 2017.
The BBC has confirmed that In Our Time will continue on Radio 4 with a new presenter to be announced in due course.
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