BBC Radio 4's In Our Time, once synonymous with Melvyn Bragg's distinctive voice, has embarked on a new chapter under the hosting mantle of Misha Glenny. The first episode of this academic debate series without its long-time host has left some to clench their buttocks in concern.
Glenny, a journalist and broadcaster with experience covering authoritarian regimes in Eastern Europe, navigated complex philosophical concepts with thoughtfulness and humility. His interviewees – Helen McCabe from the University of Nottingham, Mark Philp from Warwick, and Piers Norris Turner from Ohio – engaged in a rigorous academic discussion on John Stuart Mill's 1859 treatise, On Liberty.
However, the conversation occasionally veered into sensitive topics related to contemporary politics, particularly those involving President Trump. Glenny's measured responses avoided direct criticism, instead opting for nuanced analysis that left some listeners wondering if he had toned down the show's usual level of intellectual fervor to avoid controversy.
While the tone was generally as engaging and thought-provoking as ever, In Our Time fans might have sensed a slight shift in the dynamics. The absence of Bragg's distinctive voice, which often veered between testy professor and enthusiastic student, left some wondering if the show had been "dumbed down" to appease a broader audience.
As the BBC faces significant challenges, including changes at its top management level, In Our Time will likely become an important focal point during negotiations over a new charter. With Misha Glenny at the helm, the series can continue to uphold its reputation as a platform for in-depth academic discussions on pressing issues. However, it remains to be seen whether Glenny's tenure will yield greater recognition and approval from politicians and policymakers, who have previously clashed with Bragg over his reporting style.
Glenny, a journalist and broadcaster with experience covering authoritarian regimes in Eastern Europe, navigated complex philosophical concepts with thoughtfulness and humility. His interviewees – Helen McCabe from the University of Nottingham, Mark Philp from Warwick, and Piers Norris Turner from Ohio – engaged in a rigorous academic discussion on John Stuart Mill's 1859 treatise, On Liberty.
However, the conversation occasionally veered into sensitive topics related to contemporary politics, particularly those involving President Trump. Glenny's measured responses avoided direct criticism, instead opting for nuanced analysis that left some listeners wondering if he had toned down the show's usual level of intellectual fervor to avoid controversy.
While the tone was generally as engaging and thought-provoking as ever, In Our Time fans might have sensed a slight shift in the dynamics. The absence of Bragg's distinctive voice, which often veered between testy professor and enthusiastic student, left some wondering if the show had been "dumbed down" to appease a broader audience.
As the BBC faces significant challenges, including changes at its top management level, In Our Time will likely become an important focal point during negotiations over a new charter. With Misha Glenny at the helm, the series can continue to uphold its reputation as a platform for in-depth academic discussions on pressing issues. However, it remains to be seen whether Glenny's tenure will yield greater recognition and approval from politicians and policymakers, who have previously clashed with Bragg over his reporting style.
I'm not sure about this new direction for In Our Time... I mean, Misha Glenny is a great host and all, but it feels like he's holding back on the tough questions 
. The show used to be so in-your-face with Melvyn Bragg's style, and now it seems more... diplomatic? 
I get that they don't want to alienate politicians and policymakers, but isn't that what In Our Time is supposed to do – challenge the status quo? 
Still, kudos to Glenny for trying to bring some nuance to the conversation 
. Can we get back to some good old-fashioned intellectual sparring soon? 
. You know, the way he'd get passionate about these big ideas? Now it just seems like things are being discussed in, like, a more polite way 
. Don't get me wrong, I think Glenny's doing a great job, but I kinda miss that old Bragg vibe 
. It'll be interesting to see how the show evolves over time...
... I've been listening to In Our Time for years and Melvyn Bragg was like the voice of reason, you know? 
. but at the same time, I can see why some people would think the show got "dumbed down" 
. Misha Glenny seems nice, but he can't quite fill Bragg's shoes if you ask me 
. The show is still super engaging and thought-provoking, but I do think they might've toned it down just a notch to be more palatable for a broader audience 
. The conversation was still engaging, but there was this one point where I felt like it got kinda sidetracked 
. Don't get me wrong, the topics were important and all, but I think In Our Time used to be a bit more... uncompromising? 
Still, fingers crossed that Glenny can bring back that intellectual fervor that made the show so great in the first place 
Now Misha Glenny is at the helm and it feels a bit... different. Not necessarily bad, but it's like he's trying to make the show more accessible or something. I'm not sure if that's a good thing though - In Our Time was always known for its in-depth discussions on complex topics, but maybe that's what made it so intellectual? 
they had the craziest menu - like, kimchi fried chicken & maple bacon donuts? sounds weird but trust me it was lit 
. And what's with all this talk about "dumbing down" the show? Is that really what In Our Time has become? 
. Bragg was always great, but I think Glenny is bringing some fresh air to the series 
. Can't wait for the next episode! 
. The way he navigates complex topics is super impressive - I mean, tackling Trump politics? Not easy! 
But what really impressed me was how he kept it all so civil and respectful 
... i mean, bragg was a legend but glenny's got skills too! the dude knows how to navigate sensitive topics without being all like "you're wrong" or whatever 
. it's a new chapter and we gotta give glenny some time to find his groove 
. But at the same time, it's true that Bragg's show had a very distinct vibe, so I'm curious to see how Glenny shapes this new chapter. The UK is definitely facing some big changes right now, so I'm excited to see In Our Time adapt and keep pushing these important conversations forward 
. Fingers crossed! 
. His way of tackling sensitive topics might actually make the show more accessible to people who aren't as familiar with these complex ideas 
... he brought a more measured tone to the conversation, which might be necessary considering the BBC's current landscape 
. But, dude, some fans are already missing Melvyn Bragg's signature style 
. now that hes gone, its like the conversation is just a bit more... tame, i guess? dont get me wrong, glenny did a great job, but is the show gonna be too polite for its own good?