This evening marks Jonathon Dimbleby's last edition as the chair of Radio 4's 'Any Questions?' after over 30 years hosting. The programme, which involves topical debates between politicians, journalists and commentators driven by questions from the public, has been a true joy to listen to with Dimbelby at the helm. From the moment I discovered it some three years ago, I recall nothing but delight to learn that BBC1's 'Question Time' had a radio sister (or brother!).
One of my favourite things about the programme is its civility. On every edition I have listened to, there have been robust, impassioned disagreement. The BBC select a good range of questions and panelists which will stir the maximum number of ideas to enlighten the audience and challenge each member. Occasionally, individuals will interrupt each other, such was their fury at another panelists response. Often one member would ramble on for far too long, making a number of remarks without saying anything at all. Indeed, on the evening I attended a live broadcast (which you can read more about here: https://teatalksblog.weebly.com/home/an-evening-at-the-cambridge-union-listening-to-the-bbcs-any-questions), a gentleman from the audience unleashed a tirade of anger. Yet Jonathon Dimbleby, like he always would, politely and calmly told the gentleman that his remarks wouldn't be heard by the audience at home. That kept him quiet. Among this ardent and staunch political disagreement was the knowledge the panelists politely got on. If I remember correctly, they and the production team go for an evening meal before the broadcast, so there is time for the ideas and ice-breaking to develop. Within the programme, Dimbleby was always so enthusiastic at wherever location the team happened to find themselves, viewing it as a complete honour that they had been invited. The intonation in his view as he gave some of the contextual history was rather marvellous, when you consider how long he had been doing the programme. 'Any Questions?' is masterful because of Dimbleby's broadcasting experience. The question would be posed and, as a chair, Jonathon would always allow the panelist to initially breath. That is, they would have time to give their initial answer without interruption. Practically, this both made it easier to hear on the radio and allowed the audience to better understand the argument. Yet he was able to balance this with strident, probing questioning if the panelist was clearly going off topic. That's a very fine art, which few can effectively balance. Dimbleby is one of them. Every week, the 50 minute seem to whiz by, especially when I'm listening to it live. Often I'll live-tweet along using the #bbcaq hashtag, which has led to me receiving a couple of shout outs on Radio 4 of all places! Thank you for mentioning my tweets Jonathon! People will frequently challenge the arguments I propose in my tweets, which has forced me to become a better debater and be clearer about what I believe. That is at the programme's essence. I don't know who the next presenter of 'Any Questions?' will be, but stand-in presenters like Shaun Ley and Ritula Shah have been impressive. Hopefully Jonathon will have more time for his charity walks which, I know from his twitter page, he has much passion for. While his Friday evenings will be quieter, the sound of his voice no longer guiding us through the political discussion will be a loss to us all. I'll enjoy tweeting along to his final edition later today and engaging with the thoughtful, intelligent discussion. It will only be when Jonathon departs the airwaves for the last time that we will truly appreciate him (along with his brother David and father Richard) as a true national treasure.
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