Naughtie to replace Redhead on 'Today': Key changes revealed in BBC radio personnel
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JAMES NAUGHTIE, the current presenter of Radio 4's The World At One, was named yesterday as Brian Redhead's replacement on the Today programme.
And in another key change disclosed by the BBC yesterday, Matthew Bannister, a high-flyer who has commercial radio experience and is also a close ally of John Birt, the Director-General, will take over as controller of Radio 1.
The choice of Mr Naughtie, 41, as joint 'A-team' anchorman with John Humphrys will be a popular one. The Aberdonian's style on The World At One has been an intelligent and measured approach to political interviews, and - despite Neil Kinnock once abandoning an interview halfway through - he is tenacious rather than hectoring.
The former Guardian political correspondent is a passionate opera fan and presents Radio 3's monthly Opera News programme. But it remains to be seen when he takes over next March whether references to Scottish Opera punctuate the breakfast programme with as much frequency and humour as references to the Halle Orchestra, Manchester United and Geoffrey Boycott punctuate Mr Redhead's sessions.
However, Mr Naughtie who described his approach as 'polite toughness' said yesterday that in the different environment of the two-and-a-half-hour morning programme he hoped that his humour, wide range of interests - including music, cricket and football - would come across. 'Today is not just about the great political and foreign story but that whole area of the way we live our lives. The great trick about the Today presenters is they cover that without sounding trite or patronising,' he said.
At Radio 1, Mr Bannister, 35, will take over from Johnny Beerling, 56, who has been controller for the last eight years. Mr Beerling, who produced the first show on Radio 1, in 1967, steps down in October.
Mr Bannister is a former deputy head of news and talks at Capital Radio, the London commercial station, where he designed and launched the popular Chris Tarrant show. He has also been managing editor of BBC Greater London Radio and most recently has worked on the BBC's programme strategy review.
His first priority will be to get the ratings back on course - at its peak, the 26-year-old station attracted 27 million listeners a week. Latest figures show these have dropped to 16 million.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments