BBC's In Our Time Launch Sparks Concerns Over Management Clutching Its Butt
The departure of Melvyn Bragg as host of the popular BBC Radio 4 program, In Our Time, marked a significant shift for the institution. The first show under new presenter Misha Glenny sparked concern among management at Broadcasting House over the tone and direction of the program.
In his debut episode, Glenny tackled John Stuart Mill's 1859 philosophical treatise on liberty with thought-provoking insights. However, what raised eyebrows was the handling of sensitive topics related to authoritarian regimes, particularly those in Eastern Europe and under the current US administration.
Glenny's approach to discussing these issues was measured and respectful, but some critics may argue that he did not push hard enough for more concrete examples or parallels from real-life situations. His reluctance to name names or specific places added to the perception of a sanitized discussion, which might have been influenced by his desire to avoid controversy.
The absence of Bragg's signature style, known for its intensity and occasional sharpness, was noticeable. Glenny's tone was polite and courteous but sometimes came across as hesitant, almost as if he was waiting for permission to express disagreement. This contrasted with Bragg's more assertive approach, which often left listeners feeling intellectually stimulated.
The management at BBC might be breathing a sigh of relief that the transition was relatively smooth, but this comes at a time when the corporation is facing significant challenges, including new funding negotiations and personnel changes. The future success of In Our Time under Glenny will depend on his ability to strike a balance between maintaining the program's intellectual rigor and engaging with its audience in a way that resonates.
One concern is whether the new host can establish himself as an authoritative voice without succumbing to the risk of being seen as "dumbing down" the program, which has historically been a fear during BBC funding renewal. Glenny will need to prove his mettle by navigating these challenges and securing greater recognition for the show's intellectual depth.
The first episode was a thought-provoking exploration of On Liberty, but it remained a conventional In Our Time discussion, lacking the spark that Bragg had brought to the program in its heyday. As Glenny navigates this new territory, he will need to find his footing and develop a distinct voice that resonates with listeners. The fate of In Our Time hangs in the balance, as the presenter grapples with the delicate art of intellectual exploration without alienating audiences.
The departure of Melvyn Bragg as host of the popular BBC Radio 4 program, In Our Time, marked a significant shift for the institution. The first show under new presenter Misha Glenny sparked concern among management at Broadcasting House over the tone and direction of the program.
In his debut episode, Glenny tackled John Stuart Mill's 1859 philosophical treatise on liberty with thought-provoking insights. However, what raised eyebrows was the handling of sensitive topics related to authoritarian regimes, particularly those in Eastern Europe and under the current US administration.
Glenny's approach to discussing these issues was measured and respectful, but some critics may argue that he did not push hard enough for more concrete examples or parallels from real-life situations. His reluctance to name names or specific places added to the perception of a sanitized discussion, which might have been influenced by his desire to avoid controversy.
The absence of Bragg's signature style, known for its intensity and occasional sharpness, was noticeable. Glenny's tone was polite and courteous but sometimes came across as hesitant, almost as if he was waiting for permission to express disagreement. This contrasted with Bragg's more assertive approach, which often left listeners feeling intellectually stimulated.
The management at BBC might be breathing a sigh of relief that the transition was relatively smooth, but this comes at a time when the corporation is facing significant challenges, including new funding negotiations and personnel changes. The future success of In Our Time under Glenny will depend on his ability to strike a balance between maintaining the program's intellectual rigor and engaging with its audience in a way that resonates.
One concern is whether the new host can establish himself as an authoritative voice without succumbing to the risk of being seen as "dumbing down" the program, which has historically been a fear during BBC funding renewal. Glenny will need to prove his mettle by navigating these challenges and securing greater recognition for the show's intellectual depth.
The first episode was a thought-provoking exploration of On Liberty, but it remained a conventional In Our Time discussion, lacking the spark that Bragg had brought to the program in its heyday. As Glenny navigates this new territory, he will need to find his footing and develop a distinct voice that resonates with listeners. The fate of In Our Time hangs in the balance, as the presenter grapples with the delicate art of intellectual exploration without alienating audiences.
I think the BBC should give Misha Glenny some time to settle into his new role and figure out what makes In Our Time tick. His first episode was a solid start, but it's hard not to compare it to Melvyn Bragg's style 
The thing is, In Our Time has always been about thought-provoking discussions, not shock value 
I'm curious to see how Glenny will balance intellectual rigor with engaging his audience. Maybe he can bring a fresh perspective to the table and shake things up in a good way 
As for the management's concerns, I think they should be focusing on supporting Glenny rather than trying to control the tone of the program 
Fingers crossed that In Our Time will continue to thrive under his guidance 
. Can't they just let In Our Time be its amazing self again? 
I'm rooting for Misha Glenny, though - he seems like a nice guy who wants to make sense of things. We'll see how it all plays out, but for now, I'm holding on to those nostalgic feelings and hoping the show stays true to its roots 
. I'd love to see how he navigates these challenges - maybe some more interactive segments or debates? 
. Like, I get that he wants to avoid controversy, but sometimes you need to speak truth to power, right? 
I also missed Melvyn Bragg's style - his intensity and occasional sharpness were always so engaging! 
Does anyone think Glenny can bring that same energy to the show? 
And what do you guys think about the BBC's funding negotiations? 
Can't wait to see how this all plays out 
, which just feels a bit lazy. Still, I'm excited to see if Glenny can find his footing and make In Our Time feel fresh again 
.
He's got a lot to live up to, but if anyone can bring the spark back, it's him. And let's be real, the BBC needs all the intellectual stimulation it can get right now. 
that'd be pretty cool...anyway, gotta keep an eye on in our time from now on 
. also, Bragg's style is hard to replace 
. Melvyn Bragg's departure was huge, and I think Misha Glenny is stepping into some big shoes 
. The show still needs that spark, you know? 
. Can't wait to see if he can find that balance between intellectual rigor and audience engagement 
.
And yeah, I can see why he might have been careful not to get too controversial 
Maybe Glenny can bring some fresh energy and thoughts to the table?
the show still has that same amazing vibe but it feels kinda tame rn. i hope misha can find his groove tho, bc i love him as a presenter 
But at the same time, I don't know if he's being bold enough, you know? Like, should he be pushing for more concrete examples or just leave things alone? 
but where's the edge? 
And yeah, what about pushing back against tough topics? Didn't want to make him sound like he was walking on eggshells 
Remember when Bragg would tackle those same issues with gusto? 
but glennys tone is nice i guess its just that i need more of a challenge intellectually speaking 
what do u guys think? should he take more risks or stick w what works? 
. The thing is, I wish Glenny would've taken more risks and pushed back harder against the BBC management when it comes to the format of the show 
.