Over the years, a handful of BBC radio shows have earned a special place in the nation’s heart. For many, beloved classics like The Archers, Desert Island Discs, and the century-old Shipping Forecast top the list. Another sure member of this exclusive club—broadcasting’s equivalent of the Order of Merit—is Melvyn Bragg’s long-running Radio 4 programme, In Our Time.
In Our Time captures something essential about media: it proves that a programme can be both serious and popular. From the very start, it was so well done that Lord Bragg and his guests turned a traditionally quiet weekday morning slot—9 a.m.—into one of the BBC’s most enduring treasures. They achieved this simply by talking engagingly about important, and sometimes challenging, subjects. Who would have thought?
The title In Our Time is somewhat misleading, as the show explores timeless and historical topics just as much as contemporary ones. Each week, it takes a person, movement, idea, theory, or field of study that has shaped the world and explains its significance. Three experts, mostly academics, outline the key facts and explore major debates over 45 minutes, with Lord Bragg skillfully guiding the conversation. The result is consistently one of the most listened-to speech programmes and podcasts on radio.
But the show is about to lose its guiding voice. Lord Bragg recently confirmed that, at 85, he is stepping down after hosting since 1998. He has been a presenter to treasure—someone who knew when to step back, ask a sharp question, and keep things moving. He set an example for presenters tempted to show off or dominate the conversation. Beyond the studio, he has been a tireless advocate for the arts and public service broadcasting. This programme, however, remains his finest work—a tough act to follow.
The reasons for its success are clear. In Our Time appeals to curious listeners, those eager to learn or captivated by thoughtful discussion. It’s not elitist, not London-centric (Lord Bragg, a proud Cumbrian, wouldn’t allow that), and not narrow-minded—it’s truly international. The show aims to broaden horizons, and it succeeds. It’s also a rare example of civil discourse, proving that people can disagree on difficult topics while remaining respectful. Fittingly, Lord Bragg’s final episode in July explored this very theme.
The programme’s greatest achievement is that it never talks down to its audience, yet never oversimplifies either. Each episode is tightly focused, but the range is vast—covering everything from the founding of Ancient Rome to mathematical incompleteness theorems, from Anna Akhmatova to Rabindranath Tagore, and from the 18th-century gin craze to the Higgs boson. With over 1,000 episodes and no shortage of topics, the show continues strong. Fortunately, it was a pioneer in podcasting, and many past episodes are still available to enjoy. Long may it continue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about The Guardians view on Melvyn Braggs In Our Time designed to be clear and helpful
General Definition
Q What is In Our Time with Melvyn Bragg
A Its a longrunning BBC Radio 4 programme where host Melvyn Bragg discusses a wide range of historical scientific cultural and philosophical topics with a panel of academic experts
Q What was The Guardians main view on the show
A The Guardians view often expressed in its editorials and articles is that In Our Time is a brilliant example of how media can be both deeply intellectual and genuinely popular reaching a wide audience without dumbing down its content
Benefits Significance
Q Why does The Guardian think this combination is so important
A They argue it proves that the public has a strong appetite for serious complex ideas countering the assumption that mass media must be simplistic or sensationalist to be successful
Q What makes In Our Time so accessible to a general audience
A Melvyn Bragg acts as the curious everyman asking the questions a nonexpert would want asked The experts are guided to explain complex ideas in clear language making advanced topics understandable
Q How has the show stayed popular for so long
A Its consistency is key The format is reliable the topics are incredibly diverse and it treats its audience with respect building a loyal community of listeners
Common Questions Criticisms
Q Is the show criticised for being too academic or elitist
A Occasionally some might find the pace or depth challenging However The Guardians perspective is that its popularity is the strongest argument against this claimit demonstrates that elite topics have mass appeal when presented well
Q Are there any common problems with the format
A Some listeners note that with three experts and a broad topic discussions can sometimes feel rushed in the 45minute timeframe leaving certain aspects unexplored
Examples Practical Tips
Q Can you give an example of a typical In Our Time topic
A Absolutely A single weeks episodes could cover The Siege of Constantinople The Enzyme and The Epic of Gilgames
