Having presented well over 1,000 episodes of the much-loved BBC Radio 4 series, Melvyn Bragg has made the decision to step down from In Our Time following the series which aired earlier this year Read more ➡️ bbc.in/3K0J2RE
Melvyn Bragg smiles to camera wearing a dark suit jacket, white shirt and blue/green patterned tie. He stands at a railway station on the platform.

ALT Melvyn Bragg smiles to camera wearing a dark suit jacket, white shirt and blue/green patterned tie. He stands at a railway station on the platform.

Sep 3, 2025 · 10:04 AM UTC

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It was inevitable this time would come, but this is still sad news. "In Our Time" has always been right at the top of my listening - learning everything from history to philosophy to science. This programme boosted my general knowledge and in part, helped with my time on quiz show University Challenge. I can't believe he's been hosting since 1998 and more than 1000 episodes. He brought warm, curiosity and intelligence each week to leading conversations with leading academics. Always engaging and never patronising. The programme represents the very best of BBC public service broadcasting.
Image from Bobby Seagull MBE (@Bobby_Seagull)
Image from Bobby Seagull MBE (@Bobby_Seagull)
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Have learnt more history from these programmes than probably any other Melvyn Bragg will be a great loss but I hope the programme goes on and on
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NOOOO! This programme represented culture in its true sense (not just as a lazy synonym for the arts). Sadly, even if there were someone up to taking on the job, I fear that no broadcaster would ever dare commission such a shamelessly intellectual programme in future.
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Anything left on the channel?
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In Our Time was my companion on many midnight oil burnings throughout the 2010s. Best wishes for whatever Mr. Bragg decides to do next.
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End of an era. Probably the most significant factual program of all time. What an archive!
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This programme never disappointed the listener, with Melvyn Bragg hosting discussions on a wide variety of topics, with experts in the relevant fields. Melvin was so impressive, having the ability to lead discussion on every occasion, and it may well be possible to replace him.
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An extremely sad loss to the BBC. Easily my favourite radio programme because of its breadth, its high quality expertise and intellectual stimulation. Please ensure the archives remain easily navigable and in situ. Melvyn is literally irreplaceable.
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What a treat he has been-
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Inevitable but a shame nonetheless. About the only prog left on the BBC that has not been infected by politics & the current stupidity of 'every argument must be matched with its opposite even if it's false'. MB adhered to the code of discuss, debate, enlighten, entertain.
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One of the few radio 4 factual programmes that don't insult the intelligence of the listener. How I hate the increasing trend to involve comedians trying to 'liven up' serious science programmes. I don't listen to prof cox for that reason
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At least I can listen to In Our Time without wanting to throw my Roberts radio out the window. But as that impulse usually comes on with Front Row, I’ll continue to avail myself of ‘Sounds’ - and save the expense of a replacement. Oh, and btw - why is the drama content so awful. And barely 0.01% of your output. Get some quality control in there too.
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There's some days you knew would come, but somehow hoped would never arrive 😢 xitter-newx.xyz-mikolabs.workers.dev/bbcpress/status/196318…
BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) profile pictureBBC Press Office
@bbcpress3 Sep 2025
Having presented well over 1,000 episodes of the much-loved BBC Radio 4 series, Melvyn Bragg has made the decision to step down from In Our Time following the series which aired earlier this year Read more ➡️ bbc.in/3K0J2RE
Melvyn Bragg smiles to camera wearing a dark suit jacket, white shirt and blue/green patterned tie. He stands at a railway station on the platform.

ALT Melvyn Bragg smiles to camera wearing a dark suit jacket, white shirt and blue/green patterned tie. He stands at a railway station on the platform.

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The last bastion of BBC output that dares to assume its audience has the slightest general intelligence and interest in the subject matter.
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Very very sad news. In Our Time is not just a programme but an ideal.
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Unacceptable. Bragg needs to be persuaded to stay. This is Ravens Leaving the Tower stuff.
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Aah; saddened to hear this. We need more Melvyn in these times - not less. Still, so grateful for all the episodes, insight, joy and inspiration he has brought. 🙏👏
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Let’s hope his successor is a thinker and not a ‘presenter’.
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I hope he knows how much he’ll be missed.
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I remember first listening to this decades ago when I'd had enough of Radio 1, and being instantly hooked (an episode on Offa's Dyke if I recall). A stalwart Thursday morning treat thereafter. I did indeed enjoy the programme Melvin, thank you (and I'll have some tea please...)
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Melvin and In Our Time was always a delight to listen to. I wish him all the best x
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A shame, but time moves on, and 1,000+ episodes is an immense achievement. I rather hope they have the courage to let the series come to a close with MB's departure - unless they can replace him with someone every bit as good, which would be hard.
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I am deeply thankful to Melvyn Bragg for his service to the cultural life of the nation. In Our Time is a radio programme beyond compare. I am relieved that an extraordinary archive remains as a lasting legacy and hope that MB’s values will survive in the show’s new era.
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Does this mean the end of 'In Our Time'? Interestingly, no successor has been named. Why not? Worrying.
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Melvyn and IOT has been a huge reason for my paying the BBC licence fee each year. Intelligent and analytical and yet kept accessible to non-experts by MB asking the questions that grounded it and made the story.
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A superb broadcaster on a programme which has opened so many minds and increased our understanding so much.
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When I have listened I have always found it informative and pitched at just the right level. Melvyn always managed to strike the right balance asking everyman questions that allowed the guests to guide us through their expertise. He is going to be a tough act to follow
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The only appropriate response is THANK YOU !
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This is so sad. I have learned so much more and been prompted to ask so much more through Melvyn’s gentle and good humoured tutelage than I ever was at school. I get it but my goodness that’s a sad day. PS: I am available…
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No-one else has mastered I'm an idiot and thus have to ask the obvious stupid question, whilst still sounding posh quite as well, nor ever will...
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No worries, the BBC are bringing in Sara Cox to take over.
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He’s been astonishingly marvellous. Please do not replace him with Michelle Dewberry.
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Thank you for the wonderful way you presented In Our Time over the years: sane, rational, insightful questioning allied to a sympathetic intellect.
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Melvyn was beyond compare, the perfect host for this program.
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One of the last outposts of genuinely intelligent and inquisitive broadcasting. How sad.
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He will be missed. A great series. I hope that it’ll continue. But in this Yahoo Era, I doubt it.
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