The Today programme is inviting its listeners to edit editions of Today to mark 20 years of its guest editors
BBC Radio 4’s Today is looking for communities of listeners from across the UK to get together in teams and submit their ideas for special editions of the programme, set to be broadcast in the summer.
Those wanting to take part are being invited to submit as a group an idea for their programme, along with an outline as to why they would make good guest editors.
Owenna Griffiths, editor of the Today programme, says: “For 20 years the guest editors have brought original ideas and a wide range of perspectives to the Today programme.
“This summer, we are asking listeners to take control. You might be part of a book club, a local sports team or decide to form a group with the people you work with or live nearby. Whatever forms the basis of your community, we want to hear how you would edit Today.”
The successful guest editors will be chosen by the Today editorial team, who will also seek the advice of a selection of former guest editors, as part of the process.
Each of the chosen teams will have the support of Today producers, who will commission radio pieces and interviews, to bring their ideas to air and make sure they adhere to the BBC’s editorial guidelines.
Every year the BBC Radio 4’s Today invites a series of high profile guest editors to design a show around what they’re most interested in. Over the last 20 years the guest editors have included Prince Harry, Angelina Jolie, Raheem Sterling, Jarvis Cocker and many others.
Dame Prue Leith who guest edited Today in 2020 says: “My advice to anyone wanting to guest edit the Today programme is to tell them one thing you would really love to do and have never done.”
Dame Prue asked the Today team to arrange a singing lesson, which was then broadcast, and says she found the experience “terrific”.
It’s not the first time Today has been guest edited by its listeners. In 2007 a group from Dyfed Powys Police took the editorial reins.
Guest editors usually provide ideas and inspiration and are responsible for between a third and a half of their programme’s output.
The listener guest edited programmes will be broadcast in August and will be in addition to Today’s usual Christmas guest editors, which will be announced later this year.
Applications can be submitted online at bbc.co.uk/today
Terms and Privacy notice also available online.
Applications for submissions opened at 08:00 on 13th March 2023 and will close at 23:59 on 31st March 2023.