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.
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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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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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What a treat he has been-
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OutsideContextProblem 🍷
@context_outside3 Sep 2025
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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It’s been a great series, well done Melvyn Bragg and team
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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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My favorite radio show. Bragg was great. Great guests.
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I discovered the show when I first began reading properly 10 years ago and listened to many episodes alongside what I was reading, I still have lots of episodes saved and many happy memories of listening and re-listening to them over the past decade. He’s left behind a great body of work - )
❧TheTrueAesthete
@thetrueaesthete14 Aug 2025
“One comes out [after reading a Proustian sentence] feeling one’s just had an amazing sort of massage or swim . . . I always say to my students: the first time you read a Proust sentence, if you hold on too tight you’ll lose it . . . it’s like jumping into the pool . . .” —Jacqueline Rose
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Despite how low the BBC standards have fallen in the last 10 years, I learnt so much from the In Our Time series. A time when BBC really did educate!
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The gift that keeps on giving
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BBC PICK THIS UP! xitter.cf/felastoryveep/status/1…
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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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End of an era. Probably the most significant factual program of all time. What an archive!
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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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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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There's some days you knew would come, but somehow hoped would never arrive 😢 xitter.cf/bbcpress/status/196318…
BBC 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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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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A superb broadcaster on a programme which has opened so many minds and increased our understanding so much.
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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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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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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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He’s been astonishingly marvellous. Please do not replace him with Michelle Dewberry.
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