BBC Radio 4 today announced that award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and author Misha Glenny will become the new presenter of In Our Time when the new series starts next year. Glenny takes over from Melvyn Bragg, who stepped down in September after more than 27 years and over 1,000 episodes at the helm of one of Radio 4’s most cherished shows.
In Our Time has been a cornerstone of Radio 4 since its launch in 1998, bringing listeners in-depth discussions on history, philosophy, science, and culture with leading academics and thinkers. It is regularly one of the BBC’s most listened to on-demand programmes around the world and is one of BBC Sounds’ most popular podcasts amongst under 35s with its appeal spanning generations.
The new series of In Our Time will begin on Thursday 15 January on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, continuing its tradition of exploring big ideas and fascinating subjects with leading experts.
As part of the handover, Misha Glenny will join Melvyn Bragg for a special conversation during Melvyn’s guest-edited edition of The Today Programme on 24th December, giving listeners a unique opportunity to hear the two broadcasters reflect on the legacy of In Our Time and its future.
Mohit Bakaya, Controller of BBC Radio 4 and Director of BBC Speech Audio, said “It’s hard to imagine In Our Time without Melvyn, but, with Misha Glenny stepping in, I know the programme will continue to thrive; serving as a fascinating portal into the world of ideas and a resource for both students and the curious everywhere.
Misha has a distinguished career as a historian and broadcaster, and he’s already a familiar voice on Radio 4. He has told the origin stories of 15 countries over the last decade in his acclaimed “The Invention Of…” series, and presented fascinating programmes such as The Rise and Rise of the Microchip and Continental Divides for the network.
His understanding of international affairs, science, culture, and history, combined with his ability to make complex subjects engaging, makes him the ideal person to build on Melvyn Bragg’s remarkable legacy. I’m excited to see how he will bring his own distinctive voice to one of Radio 4’s, and the BBC’s, most cherished programmes.”
Misha Glenny, says: “It is a huge honour to take on the institution that is In Our Time. Its enduring success is testament to Melvyn’s extraordinary stewardship and his forensic curiosity, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of lively, informed conversation that listeners love. My own career has taken me from covering the fall of communism in Eastern Europe to exploring the borders, histories and people that make different nations what they are. But a common thread, one I share with In Our Time’s listeners, is a deep curiosity about the world and the ideas that shape it. I couldn’t be more excited to share that passion with In Our Time’s wonderful contributors and devoted audiences.”
Melvyn Bragg says: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to present In Our Time for so many years, and I am delighted that Misha will be taking on the role. His breadth of knowledge and gift for clear, engaging conversation make him ideally suited to guide these discussions into the future. I wish him and the programme every success.”
Misha Glenny is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and author. He began his career reporting on the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and the wars in the Balkans, earning international recognition for his coverage.
A familiar voice on BBC Radio 4, Misha has presented acclaimed series such as The Invention Of… which spans 15 countries over 55 episodes, as well as The Secret History of the World and The Rise and Rise of the Microchip . He also hosts popular podcasts, including Putin: Prisoner of Power and The Rise of the Iron Men.
Misha is also the author of several acclaimed books, including McMafia: Seriously Organised Crime – later adapted into the hit BBC drama starring James Norton – DarkMarket: How Hackers Became the New Mafia, and Nemesis: One Man and the Battle for Rio, which is currently in development as a television series. His work explores the hidden networks of global crime and the profound impact of technology on security and society. Misha is currently Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna.
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