If you're a Radio 4 native but can't stand the current Today presenters ...

[quitethenight]

... have you found an alternative breakfast news programme that you prefer?

I grew up with the Today programme on in the kitchen every school day morning and have woken up to it almost every working day of my adult life. But I don't like the current presenters and now get frustrated listening to it. Where do I go from here?

I have warmed to him too and think he is very clever and nuanced in his thinking. I used to hardly be able to comprehend what he was saying. He spoke so quickly and sloppily that I found it difficult to hear what he was saying, and offensive. Then it seemed he tried to slow down a bit and enunciate his words more clearly. He will be a loss I think.

Oh I forgot about Amol!!

agree that they need to remember it’s a news program

I think we'll hear a lot more from Amol Rajan. He is clever but now wants to earn money for himself. I think it's a brave call on his part, because you need to make a lot of money to be better off than taking £150k of the Beeb in salary.

Katy Razzall is my pick for the vacant Today slot.

They also have to wake up and leave for work so early that it must be difficult to spend any normal time at home.

Oh thank god EB is leaving. I wasn't aware of a feud with NR. That might explain why it's been so bad recently. I do think for a show like that to work you can't have presenters at war with each other.

I miss Mishal Husain. Have listened to Today for decades and I think she might have been my favourite presenter.

Because of the feud there was a long spell with them not being co-presenters which meant that when, occasionally, they were forced to co-present, it added spice to the listening experience waiting for a fight to break out.

@WhereAreWeNow, I wasn't aware of it, but I can see why, and they didn't seem a team when on together. I didn't think I would like NR on Today but warmed to him quickly.

Do we know why there was a fall out?

i was surprised EB took it given the age of her kids. I think it’s a better gig when your kids are all at primary so you leave OH to do morning school run and then you’re around for pick up and evenings and go to bed at same time as them!!

Me too. Have you read his autobiography? It’s really good, he had a difficult and unusual upbringing.

I've not read the biography but have heard him talk on another programme.
I also saw him on a 'Cash in the Attic' type programme decades ago (not particularly relevant but he and his wife seemed really nice and they had young children at the time).

Sarah Montague fan here

i have no problems at all with Jonny Dymond on today,
i have no idea why he is not listed as being part of the today team

I always like Johnny Dymond. I like his voice. He has been on several other programmes besides Today. I have never heard him have an argument with an interviewee. i am not sure what that means. Either he doesn't ask very searching questions or he's in such good control of it all that he never gets into an argument.

I think he would be a good replacement for AR. I don’t need big personalities just a decent journalist

I noticed him on another of the news shows over the weekend - and agree, he’s brisk and sensible and not annoying.

Probably we’re most conscious of the presenters we find irritating!

EB is in talks
so i wonder where these will lead
Emma Barnett ‘discussing next move’ after Amol Rajan’s To...

This isn’t R4 but R6 I’m so upset Huey Morgan has left Saturday morning slot. I’m out listening to it as dc do a club and he just left.

I wish I had liked EB on Today, but I didn't. She didn't seem a good fit.
With her and AR, I don't like the informality.
I've been listening to Today for decades.

AR is everywhere but I can’t imagine EB is very well known outside BBC circles

rather than being terrified of losing ‘talent’ why don’t they look at the other people they have around them

You don't need "stars" on the Today prog. You need people who can do the job.

You need someone with enough clout to draw in listeners and guests.
Obviously they need to be able to do the job.
My enjoyment of the programme is down to the interviewing.

Sarah Montague is brilliant. Feedback - 19/06/2025 - BBC Sounds

I’m pretty sure it’s never occurred to me to stop listening because one or other presenter isn’t a massive sleb.

I’ve continued listening because, while I completely realise the BBC follows its own interests and is distrusted by millions across the world, including friends and relatives of mine on other continents, over many decades there has been enough oversight, enough resources and enough access to well educated and intelligent programme makers to make it the easiest source of regular and accountable news.

In other words - it seems like the least bad option.

@NorWouldTilly , the main presenters are slebs because they are the main presenters.
Don't you notice if you aren't familiar with the presenter?
I tend to think 'there won't be a juicy interview today'.

I'm pretty disillusioned with the Beeb, but don't want to not listen.
I read a newspaper and read it knowing that it is biased.