1650: Chris Mason's first Any Questions on Radio 4 (clips) - 2019
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\\u201cWell \\u2013 hello\\u201d, said Chris Mason. The two words meant more on-air than they can ever do on paper, as he became the fifth presenter to host the famous Any Questions programme in its 71 years on the BBC.
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\\nFollowing a touch of nostalgia, as befits the radio man he is, Chris jumped straight in to cue a question on May\\u2019s deal vs Johnson\\u2019s deal \\u2013 on this, the eve of a critical Commons vote.
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\\nChris brought a slightly more conversational approach than his truly superb predecessor \\u2013 and an accent which is further evidence that RP is no longer the same as BBC English. He sounded at home from the first moments \\u2013 and no-one could be more across the likely topics of the day than Chris, thanks to his day job.
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\\nThe programme exhibited a more authentic air, moving through a presenter generation \\u2013 or two.\\xa0 There was an honesty from him which just maybe was reciprocated by his guests. Although the familiar Radio 4 echoey applause sounded as it always has, the discussion seemed more intimate.\\xa0 More normal.
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\\nChris was typically not afraid to give something of himself, and, indeed, eke every inch of drama out of the unique programme experience. Following a mix of applause, oohs and groans, he observed with trademark smile in his voice: \\u201cThat was the full kaleidoscope of sounds. That was quite something. I\\u2019m no musician but it was the whole range of musical notes\\u201d.
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\\nAs Brexitcast and his other work has proven, Chris has escaped the unwarranted criticism levelled at too many journalists as they try to make matters Brexit sound vaguely penetrable and interesting. Possibly because, a) he\\u2019s good; b) he has huge personal equity; and c) he just sounds likeable.\\xa0 But, as on this programme, never soft when an answer lingers or deviates, or lightweight.
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\\nMost importantly, Chris\\u2019s love of radio means that this is a programme designed for listeners - made in a hall. Not a performance in a hall than happens to be broadcast. With his commentary, asides, and re-setting, he looks the listener in the eyes.
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\\nFollowing a touch of nostalgia, as befits the radio man he is, Chris jumped straight in to cue a question on May\\u2019s deal vs Johnson\\u2019s deal \\u2013 on this, the eve of a critical Commons vote.
\\n
\\nChris brought a slightly more conversational approach than his truly superb predecessor \\u2013 and an accent which is further evidence that RP is no longer the same as BBC English. He sounded at home from the first moments \\u2013 and no-one could be more across the likely topics of the day than Chris, thanks to his day job.
\\n
\\nThe programme exhibited a more authentic air, moving through a presenter generation \\u2013 or two.\\xa0 There was an honesty from him which just maybe was reciprocated by his guests. Although the familiar Radio 4 echoey applause sounded as it always has, the discussion seemed more intimate.\\xa0 More normal.
\\n
\\nChris was typically not afraid to give something of himself, and, indeed, eke every inch of drama out of the unique programme experience. Following a mix of applause, oohs and groans, he observed with trademark smile in his voice: \\u201cThat was the full kaleidoscope of sounds. That was quite something. I\\u2019m no musician but it was the whole range of musical notes\\u201d.
\\n
\\nAs Brexitcast and his other work has proven, Chris has escaped the unwarranted criticism levelled at too many journalists as they try to make matters Brexit sound vaguely penetrable and interesting. Possibly because, a) he\\u2019s good; b) he has huge personal equity; and c) he just sounds likeable.\\xa0 But, as on this programme, never soft when an answer lingers or deviates, or lightweight.
\\n
\\nMost importantly, Chris\\u2019s love of radio means that this is a programme designed for listeners - made in a hall. Not a performance in a hall than happens to be broadcast. With his commentary, asides, and re-setting, he looks the listener in the eyes.
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It\\u2019ll be fascinating hearing Chris deal with the hecklers or the out-of-order panellist. I know he\\u2019ll do it well. And, in time, I suspect the BBC will use Chris\\u2019s many talents to take every advantage of digital to allow this programme to flourish in new places.
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Unless he gets lured to something else, I suspect the programme\\u2019s youngest ever presenter will be there for the long term. After all, the average tenure is about 17 years \\u2013 with Jonathan Dimbleby serving under the reigns of six prime ministers.\\xa0
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