View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Libby Purves leaves proposed new Radio 4 theatre show as Midweek is axed after 34 years

By Dominic Ponsford

Libby Purves has decided not to present a new Radio 4 theatre programme being launched to partly replace Midweek which is being axed in March after 34 years.

It was announced that the former Times theatre critic, who has hosted Midweek since 1983, would be presenting a new monthly BBC theatre show.

But the BBC said today: “Libby has since decided that she will not be presenting the programme and Radio 4 will confirm new arrangements for the show in the coming months.”

Radio 4 controller Gwyneth Williams said: “We are sorry to hear that Libby has decided not to take on the presenting duties for Radio 4’s new monthly theatre programme as planned.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Libby again for her years as the brilliant host of Midweek, which comes to an end in March 2017, and I look forward to hearing her back on Radio 4 this autumn to present her documentary on the creation of The Bridge Theatre in London.”

Radio 4 is also launching a “presenter-free” half hour arts interview programme which will air on Wednesday mornings at 9am in the Midweek slot. There will be 24 programmes a year and it will share the slot with “other arts and factual commissions”.

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

Topics in this article : ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network