Former BBC Radio 4 Today programme presenter John Humphrys has launched a pointed critique of the current incarnation of the flagship news show, describing it as 'irritating' in a Guardian article. Humphrys, who presented the programme for more than 30 years, now listens as a regular audience member and has identified several aspects he finds grating.
Gratuitous gratitude and gushing exchanges
Humphrys's primary complaint focuses not on interview tone, which often drew criticism during his tenure, but on congratulatory interactions between presenters and guests. He highlights what he calls 'gratuitous gratitude' expressed by both parties. 'Thank you SO much for inviting me on!' has become standard, to which Humphrys suggests the correct response should be: 'On the contrary. Without someone to interview there'd be no programme.' Instead, he observes a 'gushing contest between host and guest,' with some presenters more guilty than others.
He also criticises presenters who engage in 'little chat with each other about the significance (or otherwise) of an interview one of them has just completed,' noting that even some presenters appear to find this deeply uncomfortable. Additionally, Humphrys expresses annoyance at contributors who struggle to get through an interview without phrases like 'y' know' and 'I mean.'
Singling out Amol Rajan
Humphrys specifically targets presenter Amol Rajan, who recently announced his departure from the show to pursue his own business in the creator economy. He criticises Rajan's 'insistence on emphasising, without fail, the definite and indefinite articles in any given sentence,' giving the example: 'In his world, “A” bomb has exploded in “THE” Palace of Westminster.' Humphrys apologises to readers who may not have noticed this tic, warning they likely will now.
Despite Humphrys's criticism, there is genuine dismay inside the show at Rajan's departure, with senior figures viewing his engaging style as crucial to keeping the programme relevant. The Today programme still commands well over 5 million listeners a week, despite upheaval from the digital revolution in media.
Budget cuts and future listening
Humphrys acknowledges that BBC executives may view his feedback as that of a 'pain in the arse.' He admits he might stop listening if budget cuts to the programme go further, though he notes it has been more protected than other shows. Previous cuts saw the show lose its dedicated correspondents. Describing the programme as 'otiose' and 'irritating,' he nevertheless concedes he might not 'die on this hill,' but warns: 'If the big bosses persist in cutting its budget so it sometimes has to use last night’s TV news report and becomes less “Today” and more “Yesterday” – then Radio 3, here I come!'
