Humphrys ends final show with swipe at politicians

BBC broadcaster John Humphrys ended his final Today show with a swipe at politicians who snub political interviews in favour of social media.

The Today “Rottweiler” bowed out of the early morning BBC Radio 4 programme after 32 years and 5,000 programmes. Humphrys, 76, who has been accused of “poisoning the well of democratic debate” over the years, thanked the people he has interviewed on the flagship show.

In an interview with ex-prime minister Tony Blair on his final broadcast, Humphrys said Boris Johnson had not been on the show since he entered Number 10 and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had stayed away for nearly three years.

“Increasingly, politicians are talking directly to the people via social media so they can choose the questions they answer without being challenged,” Humphrys said.

Later as he signed off for the final time, Humphrys said “thanks” to everyone he had interviewed, “including the politicians, or at least those of them, the vast majority, who still recognise it is important that people in power should be held to account, even if just occasionally we might give them a hard time”.

Minutes after BBC directorgeneral Lord Hall had showered him with praise, Humphrys said there is a “lot wrong” with the BBC “as an organisation”, adding “there is a lot wrong with every organisation”.

Humphrys, who will continue to host BBC television show Mastermind, said: “It’s facing massive challenges from social media and changing behaviour but I believe we need the BBC as much now as we have ever done.

“I simply cannot imagine this country without it. It is an unthinkable thought.”

Humphrys sounded emotional as he thanked listeners for their “loyalty” to the programme.

“I really do feel that I have got to know you over the decades and you are decent people,” he said. “I’m more proud than I can say that you have put up with me for so long. Thank you, all of you. I do hope you keep listening.”

The BBC is not recruiting a replacement for Humphrys, with Justin Webb, Mishal Husain, Martha Kearney and Nick Robinson filling in his shifts.