In a notable pre-New Year schedule, BBC Radio 4 has announced a distinguished line-up of guest editors for its flagship Today programme, featuring former Prime Minister Theresa May and double Oscar-winning actor Cate Blanchett.
A Deep Dive into Trust and Power
Theresa May, who resigned as Prime Minister in 2019, will take the editorial chair on New Year's Eve. Her edition will focus on the critical issue of dwindling public trust in political institutions, a theme she has previously explored. According to the BBC, May will investigate the themes of domestic violence, modern slavery, and trust in politics.
This focus aligns with arguments May made in her memoirs, where she contended that the abuse of power has significantly eroded confidence in democracy. Her book cited national disasters such as the Hillsborough tragedy and the Grenfell Tower fire as pivotal moments. While her analysis was praised, she faced criticism for not being more open about her own government's shortcomings during her tenure.
May's personal interests will also feature, with an expected discussion on her love of cricket. This topic previously drew scrutiny when she knighted her cricketing hero, Geoffrey Boycott, in her resignation honours list, a figure who was convicted for domestic abuse.
From Hollywood to AI: Cate Blanchett's Editorial Vision
On 27 December, the programme will be steered by the acclaimed actor Cate Blanchett. Her edition will tackle the growing influence of artificial intelligence, with a specific lens on its impact on women within the film industry.
Blanchett has publicly expressed her scepticism about the rapid advancement of new technology. In a previous interview with the BBC, she stated she was “deeply concerned” and questioned the tangible benefits of developments like robots and driverless cars.
Her programme's scope will extend beyond AI, also exploring sustainability in the fashion industry, how nation states are managing the global refugee crisis, and the therapeutic benefits of gardening for mental wellbeing.
A Week of Diverse Perspectives
The guest editor roster presents a range of voices set to illuminate the final week of the year. AI entrepreneur Mustafa Suleyman will edit the programme on 29 December, offering a counterpoint to Blanchett's caution. His segment will examine whether society can cope with the dawn of superintelligence and what measures are needed to ensure AI serves humanity's interests.
The other guest editors confirmed are:
- Veteran broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, who recently stepped down from presenting 'In Our Time' after 27 years.
- Historian and popular podcaster Tom Holland.
- Renowned businessman and inventor Sir James Dyson.
Owenna Griffiths, the Editor of Today, commented on the selection: “Every Christmas on Today, a new set of guest editors take up residence and bring with them a wonderful range of new stories, fresh ideas and, hopefully, a sprinkling of joy. This year is no exception. In a rapidly changing world, this year’s guest editors will help bring illumination and understanding, and I’m enormously grateful to all of them for giving up the time to take part.”
