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BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme revamp branded ‘dull’ in the hands of new editor Sarah Sands

Yesterday's programme featured a 30-minute documentary on transgender kids presented by John Humphreys

THE BBC’s flagship radio news show faces growing criticism that it has become a borefest.

Listeners to Radio 4’s Today programme yesterday were subjected to a 30- minute documentary about transgender children.

 Sarah Sands on a panel with London Mayor candidates Zac Goldsmith and Sadiq Khan
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Sarah Sands on a panel with London Mayor candidates Zac Goldsmith and Sadiq KhanCredit: Rex Features

Staff are worried about its direction under new editor Sarah Sands, while listeners called the breakfast show “dull” and “lightweight” as it tries to broaden its appeal.

One Today insider admitted concerns about an increasing focus on softer, pre-recorded items rather than big news stories.

They said: “Sometimes it feels like the news gets in the way of a programme prepared earlier.”

Yesterday’s show also included an item on “societal revolt in ancient Egypt”  a piece about film composer Michael Giacchino and a 30 minute documentary by John Humphrys about gender identity.

 Sands when she was at the Standard
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Sands when she was at the StandardCredit: Eyevine

Ex-London Evening Standard editor Sands, 56, is said to want more “girls’ stuff” and to include fashion as part of the show’s agenda. It is claimed she wants fewer stories about jails and hospitals.

A Today programme insider admitted yesterday: “Nobody is against broadening the agenda and getting big names on the programme.

“But you don’t want to do that at the expense of news, because that’s what people turn on every morning for."

Listeners hit out on Twitter. One named James‏ said: “There’s a lot of tedious pc sermonising on today programme these days.”

Jezza‏  said: “#r4today what a boring Today programme. Can someone please remove the Editor?"

Robyn Vinter said: “Not a fan of Sands but something needs to be done. The Today programme is an ordeal to get through every morning because it’s so dull.”

Giddy Goat‏ wrote: “Thanks to Sarah Sands, the Today programme has become a dull lightweight magazine show.”

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