Radio 4’s Today editor hits back at dumbing down claims

THE editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme has defended the show against accusations of “dumbing down”, as she says that religion will play a bigger part in the schedule in future.

Sarah Sands has faced criticism since taking over the role in January, with many listeners saying that the flagship current affairs show is becoming too “lightweight”.

After shows dedicated to London Fashion Week and Silicon Valley, even Roger Mosey, one of the show’s former editors, criticised her for making it more “magazine than the news section”. Interviews with Dame Judi Dench and John le Carré also provoked ire from some listeners who said that Front Row is for arts news.

Ms Sands has now used her first interview since taking the job to hit back, saying: “I’d say that fact-based journalism and analysis is still there. It is three hours long, this wonderful programme, so that you can pack it all in.

“John le Carré – it was his only broadcast interview. He had some very, very important and interesting things to say. It is a different treatment [to Front Row]. It isn’t just saying ‘here’s a book’ and what’s in it.

“I’d rather hear someone really interesting and clever talking about an idea – in that case it was talking about the Cold War, it was talking about big, big themes – than just another Westminster bubble conversation.”

In an apparent swipe at Mr Mosey, she added: “I’m sorry if some of the former editors think there is a barbarian in charge, but I come in peace and friendship. I love this programme and I just want it to be the best that it can be.”

Ms Sands, who was previously editor of the London Evening Standard and The Sunday Telegraph, faced her first public clash a month into the job when she said that she would include humanists on the Thought for the Day slot, only for the move to be denied by corporation bosses.

But it has not deterred her from addressing religion, telling Radio 4’s Feedback that it is something “we are going to be looking at more”.

‘I’d rather hear someone talking about something clever than just another Westminster bubble’