John Humphrys has criticised BBC Radio 4's Today programme presenters, describing their communication style as 'profoundly irritating' in a Guardian column published over the weekend. The 82-year-old broadcaster, who left the breakfast current affairs show in 2019 after 33 years, singled out Amol Rajan's habit of emphasising definite and indefinite articles, writing: 'In his world, “A” bomb has exploded in “THE” palace of Westminster.'
Humphrys takes aim at verbal tics
Humphrys acknowledged that chief presenters Justin Webb, Nick Robinson and Amol Rajan are 'as good as they come' but said their style leaves him 'harrumphing' at the radio. He also criticised excessive thanks before interviews and filler words like 'y'know' and 'I mean', calling them 'otiose' and 'irritating'. Rajan announced earlier this year he will leave the programme to start his own production company; his replacement is yet to be confirmed.
Background on Humphrys' BBC career
Humphrys joined the BBC in 1966 and became a leading presenter on Today and Mastermind. In 2017, it was revealed he was among the BBC's highest-paid earners, taking home nearly £1million for his radio work and Mastermind, while colleague Mishal Husain earned £250,000 and Sarah Montague less than £150,000.
Humphrys concluded his column: 'Otiose? Almost always. Irritating? Profoundly. But would I really die on this hill? Possibly not. Then again … y’know?'
