John Phipps

Why In Our Time remains the best thing on radio

The Radio 4 classic shows that making intelligent radio is as simple as letting intelligent people say intelligent things

Along with Melvyn Bragg’s not-quite-gruff, economical style, the key ingredient of In Our Time is the extent to which he and his producers trust their audience. Image: Abigail Zoe Martin / BBC

  • In Our Time

    BBC Radio 4

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe and get your first month of access for free. After that it’s just £10.99 a month.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Freddy Gray

The Democrats have a Joe Biden problem

Freddy Gray
From the magazine
The Democrats dare to hope that this week will be a study in contrasts. On their side stands President Joe Biden, the veteran statesman, using all his diplomatic experience to stop a third world war breaking out in the Middle East. On the other, in the dock in Manhattan, sits Donald Trump, facing 34 criminal

Because you read about bbc

Also by John Phipps

Latest

Comments

A blooming good offer

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting the next 3 months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in