your comments
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Andrew Rennie from Plymouth
May we as licence fee payers please be told how much John Humphries is paid by the BBC and if not why not, he is in this instance a public employee. Thanks.
Jean Margaret Fosbury, Bridport
Dear John - re your appearance on the TV show I've Never Seen Star Wars. Yes, the Today programme is very, very snappity snap. But still the only grown up morning news programme. And please try not to squirm when defending your right to behave in an intelligent and well informed manner. Watching you respond to this interview felt like the embarrassment of watching an honest vicar gamely plucking on a guitar in a hopeless attempt to convince his invited flock of yob parishoners that he can share the sensibilities of morons.
Melanie Eriksen, Farnham
Brilliant "voice of the people" interview of BBC Trust chairman Michael Lyons this morning on the Russell Brand/Jonathan Ross affair. Lyons said that he wanted to be "clear" no less than 12 times, but of course he was anything but. John exposed him as totally spineless and ineffectual, which is pretty bad news for the public who Lyons is supposed to represent. Well done Humphrys!
Dr C A Rosser, Swansea
He is just rude and likes the sound of his own voice. His interviewing style is offensive to the interviewee and annoying for the listener.
I O'Donnell from Somerset
John Humphrys is a great interviewer/journalist. With these God given gifts, challenging politicians etc, I cannot believe he has lost his gift of faith...being brought up Roman Catholic? Faith if unwatered/practised will die. How come great thinkers like Oscar Wilde came to the truth of the R/C Church ... JH Newman... Mel Gibson(Latin Mass R/C) ... What a kind and humble voice you have as well, in between the dramatic interrogations... Bless you!! From a stay at home mum of four/ex hospice nurse/poet/fan of Today with my coffee!
Rob Robson, Warwickshire
A lot is said about John's style of interviewing, but lately I've found it grating. To me he has one approach:1) Ask a closed question that he knows the interviewee can't answer2) Badger them for not answering it.In my opinion that's poor questioning, at least if he is genuinely interested in the response, and not in humiliating the interviewee.
Geoff Uglow, Romsey
John may be tenacious, but when you are trying to understand an announcement by the chancellor, for John to continually interrupt does not enhance comprehension.
Pauline Hayter
A great journalist and broadcaster. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed his book In God We Doubt I was a little disappointed that most references with regard to atheists was as militants. I am an atheist and have never ridiculed or scorned believers as I am of the opinion that we are all entitled to our own views. A chapter dedicated to those of us who wish to be known as atheists but are not militant in any way would have been more realistic.
Ken Reynolds Telford Shropshire
Two points:
1)
Please continue to be the scourge of pomposity and prevarication from any source- political, cultural or financial
2)
Please take over the weather forecasting position- 'warm in the south cooler in the north'- 'rain in most places- outlook drier'- 'warm every where outlook cooler'I for one do not wish to know that there may be 'spits and spots' of rain in some parts of the north and midlands with the possibility of heavier rain locally!
Tony of East Sussex
I have been a life long atheist and have never found any substance at all in any Christian point of view. JH's book 'In God We Doubt' is different and unique. I think he is right that Darwinism cannot explain incredible acts of human altruism and bravery. Dawkins sees sympathy, pity and kindness as 'mistakes' when it is these very 'mistakes' that make us human. In a world of terrible crimes and evil, perhaps the 'divine' is found in these acts of love and bravery. 'Good is God' rather than the other way around. Karma might be another word to describe it. Humphrys has given me much to think about!
Chris Sexton Liverpool
I met John on the set of Mastermind Tuesday 15th July 2008,He is a real gentleman had time to let me have a nice chat and photo with him after show,very much appreciated.
Ian Macdonald, Basildon, Essex...
John, England has been good to you...I doubt that many would listen if you spokein Cymraeg...
Sid Griffiths, Stroud
My daughter and I met John at a Radio Gloucester open day. He is a real gentleman. I asked him if I could take a photo of him with my daughter. 'Of course' he said, 'that's what I am here for'. It amazes me the amount of information that John has on any subject that comes up during his interviews. I have the picture of John and my daughter up in my office.
Emer
I think John Humphrys is brilliant, and a great interviewer! I was delighted when I heard he was being interviewed on Desert Island Discs. He is so interesting, and his choice of music for a desert island would be just what I would choose! I had to listen to the repeat on Friday. This was certainly the best Desert Island Discs I've ever heard. Thank you!
Bernard John from Monmouthshire
I'm afraid I can't share all this enthusiasm for John Humphrys. I listen to his interviews on the Today programme and am often left wondering what I've learned from them - apart from John's opinions and attitudes that is.
Judith Wearing, Canterbury
I enjoyed Desert Island Discs featuring John Humphrys so much when I first heard it on Sunday 6th January I made a conscious decision to listen to it again on Fiday 11th. I found it equally enjoyable the second time around. Great choice of music and great conversation. Thank you John for a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening programme.
Anthony from Arlington, Virginia, USA
I am reading "Lost for Words". I have always been a great fan of Mr Humphrys, and was most pleased to discover this book at a train station in Birmingham over the New Year.
Paul Barrett from Penarth
While often disagreeing with John Humphrys he is always worth listening to. We once exchanged letters when I disgreed strongly with his anti GDR/Communist stance and statements, ending with us begging to differ. However he one of the very few to make the radio valid todayand always interesting. I also think I recall him when as callow youths we drifted across the same local rock'n'roll scene.
Bruce Cooper , Grayshott
I have just listened to John Humphrys on "Desert Island Discs" and his choice of Music fitted in with the image I had of him in his private life. If John was brought up as Catholic, I find it hard to believe he is and agnostic. I wonder if his job has had a bigger influence on him and made him have the views he has. I listen everday to the Today programme, and John Humphrys is the top presenter, but I love to hear all the others, in particular James Naughtie.
Nigel Grant from Chatham, Kent
Really enjoyed John Humphrys' Desert Island Discs interview on 6 January 2008. Accomplished, euphonious and pleasant speaker; honest and humble comments; intelligent, unpretentious handling of the questions. His interviewing style on the Today programme can be abrasive, but only when necessary. Sometimes, this is the one opportunity the public will have to hear politicians speak at some length about particular matters. It's the interviewer's job not to allow them to waste precious time flannelling away in a cloud of unnecessary abstractions and outrageous non sequiturs. Lost for Words starts with a grumpy middle-aged man's rant, but improves greatly after the first quarter. It's an excellent scan of public language today. Perceptive comment that Plain English Campaign Limited is perhaps only interested in simple thought. I would love to see/hear a programme on modern language made and presented by John, Melvyn Bragg, Nigel Rees, Bill Bryson, David Crystal and Jyoti Sanyal. Keep up all your good work, John.
Glenn Baker from Wales
An excellent free thinker not afraid of the truth.
Abdoukarim Sanneh Manchester
I read two of John Humphry's book since then fall in love with such a remarkable journalist with lot of experience reporting in Africa and other parts of the world. I class him as the torch bearer of objective journalism.
Brian Jones. Gloucester
I saw John a few days ago at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. A small but very big man. He talked about uncertainty. Was there? Was there not a God? He seemed to be trying too hard and he reminded me of a person chasing a butterfly. The more he went after it, the more it flew away. I wanted to ask him to be still as maybe then the butterfly would come to him. There is a confusion in terms of God and religion. In much of our religious institutions there is too much religion and not enough spirituality. I admired the spirituality of John Humphrys. To make public one's journey in faith is never easy. Always there are those who would knock you down and yet John's head still rises. A role model for us all.
Bruce Busby from Brisbane
Just read John Humphry's "Beyond Belief" in Brisbane Courier Mail. Top article, stimulating and provoking. Comments on atheists reminded me of US agnostic Rodney Stark's statement that atheists are as fundamentalist in their tenets as a Southern Baptist.
Rosemary O'Keeffe, Co. Donegal
I heard John Humphrys being interviewed on radio yesterday. He seems to be against atheism, prays every day yet he says he is not religious. Talk about sitting-on-the-fence. Bet he wouldn't allow any of his interviewees away with that! There's a saying in Irish "Briseann an duchas amach tri suile an chait" which roughly means you can't escape your background. I think John Humphreys was brought up as a good Roman Catholic boy and can't shake it off.
Tez Anderson, Derby
To me and many others, John Humphrys epitomizes the BBC - as it SHOULD be. He does not pander to media pressures to 'Americanise' and needlessly 'modernise' the sound of British radio. He also has a good command of the English language and is easily understood. He avoids the endless moronic banter of many interviewers. His intelligence and concern shines like a beacon in this world of banality. He should have more control of the BBC - but he must not be removed from his position of interviewing and commentating.Surely there must one or two others like him, instead of the many 'banal' newcomers the BBC seems to be recruiting nowadays.
Dr Grace Kerry from Cardiff
John is simply the best. He is absolutely fantastic and The best journalist in the world. His VOICE is the best thing to wake up to in the morning. Pity he's already married! Carry on the good work John and never let those slippery politicians get away with it!
Andreas Brecht from Rastat
O come on this Humphrys figure is simply another specimen of all these socialist airheads who populate the halls of the Beep in such great abundance.
Adrian Appley from Bromley, Kent
John is a superb presenter who justly deserved his recent award. As well as having a magical way with words he has an incredible talent for getting answers out of the losers who would rather not give answers! Yes, he really is superb and I am grateful for that.
K Jenkins, Nantyglo
I have great respect for John. Unlike a lot of TV presenters today, he always looks very smart. The presenters today come on television with their shirts half undone, and they think they look smart. Just look at John - that is smart!
Jolyon Manning, Alexandra, New Zealand
I have particularly enjoyed a series of programmes on National Radio (New Zealand) on successive Sunday afternoons from the BBC titled 'Humphrys - In Search of God' including the latest interview with Sir Jonathan Sachs (Chief Rabbii of the Commonwealth). Thank you for your persistence in posing key questions of wide interest. I well remember Dr Sach's BBC Reith lecture series (1990 I think) titled, 'The persistence of faith in a secular society'. Congratulations on your personal enterprise.
Tony Eaton from Northallerton
'Lost For Words' is a tour de force and more power to John Humphrys in his battle for intelligible English. Among my pet hates are, 'At this moment in time'=now or at this moment and the received 'British Treeps'= troops, Teeoo= two 'Yeeniversity' and 'Thank Yee'. I could go on.
Ladislaus, Ilford
I am looking forward to sharing with him the idea of finding something and everything about God. Happy Christmas and a Joyous New Year full of discovery.
Derek Foster
...haunting my local WH Smith so that I can spend a gift voucher on his: 'Beyond Words' Thats all!
Val Banks, Norwich
Most excellent reporter and interviewer I have ever known. He needed much better help on Tuesday October 31st in his search for God programme. I feel that he did not get it from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Kee Atty, London
John is briliant when it comes to interviewing politicians, and I enjoy and like his skills. More grease to his elbows. I like his programme In Search of God and would like a copy of that interview if at all possible.
Alec Hammond from Dundee
John, good man. He fights for what is right and that is good language. Hope he gets through to the people. The poeple who matter that is. He got through to me and I'm only 14, well 13 about to be 14. GOOD LUCK I say to him.
Josie Calvert from Lewes (age 13)
I love John Humphrys, he's on my marriage list! He's great. He was excellent on that art show he did!
John Cleary Liverpool
John Humphreys is the greatest radio journalist in the uk. Radio 4's equivalent of Jeremy Paxman. Both act as safeguards of democracy helping to make the BBC the wonderul institution it is. I'm aware John was recently critised fof his approach to David Cameron, but it is this no nonsense direct approach that makes him very much the peoples advocate with politics so much dominated by spin and outright lies.
Madeleine Ebbrell from Harrogate
Far from being strong & decisive, I think John Humphrys is downright rude. He hectors & bullies; he frequently won't let his interviewee get a word in; he talks over the interviewee & imposes his own views far too often. Ask the question/make the statement then let the person respond before interuppting & cutting him/her short. A GOOD interviewer allows the interviewee to respond,to damm or justify his/her own views him/herself. JH's technique has me switching off the radio.
Michelle Byrne from Shepherds Bush
He's got great legs, I just saw him jogging in the park I walk through to get to work in the mornings.
Sandra Nicholl, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
I watched Art School on BBC2 and saw John Humphreys who voiced my own opinions about art and how it is being taught these days. He said that he was not being taught but left to find his own way, as were the others. As an artist and a teacher, I feel students need to be taught technique but I know from my own students that other art classes are not teaching traditional art, whereas I teach classical realism, which has been almost forgotten.
Brunie from Milton Keynes
JH made in my opinion a complete ass of himself. He seems to be on the view that his is the only opinion that counts and that no others have validity. Did he really expect to go to art school and learn the 'techniques' of art in 2 weeks? Art is a voyage of discovery and not a 'process'. If John really wants to draw a cow he needs only to learn to really 'see' and practice, practice and practice again.......
Martha from the Netherlands
It is fine to have a different view of what art is than other people. However, it is not fine to refuse to listen to people with other opinions than your own and just keep on rambling about your own (not too interesting) viewpoints. If you don't want to learn, listen and discuss, don't go to art school.
morgan of Varteg
JH can certainly make the hoity toity squirm, but.... I wish the law on slander could be removed so he could then ask the questions I want answers to.
All the time it seems those in the public eye manage to evade giving straight answers, even when JH is doing the interview, so, although as interrogators go, he does a fair job, unfortunately there is always some point at which he is compelled to refrain from pursuing the matter further. Usually it is at the very moment the wriggling prat opposite him is really under the most severe pressure, then it's, 'Well, we seem to have run out of time, and thanks for coming in.'
What is needed is not so much JH, (as I have stated elsewhere,) our real requirement is for a WRITTEN CONSTITUTION that would give us all the right to be our own John Humphrys.
Ellen Jones from Ely, Cambs
I am still watching Art School but I'm not sure why. I totally agree with John that modern art is a waste of time. I used exactly the same words 'Emperor's new clothes' as John did. He is the only sensible one there. The others seem brain-washed to me. Well done for sticking to your guns, John, but don't object too long and loudly as even that gets too much.
Chas Perrett from Worcester
I am a great fan of John Humphries and admire his no bullshit style of interviewing. As to 'Art School' I am surprised he volunteered for that, but I think he genuinely thought that someone at the college could teach him how to improve his drawing, which of course they could if they wished. I am sure there will be many proficient Welsh artists living nearby, who could teach him the skills he wants to draw a cow accurately. Perhaps someone would like to take him on?
Pat Hughes from Tonteg
I totally agree with John's method of interviewing. At least he is honest in his opinions, which is more than one can say for 99.9% of politicians
Ken Godfrey, Pewsey, Wiltshire
Now in my 68th.year and having been brought up in the U.K during wartime, when everything was most precious, I share with Mr.Humphries his deep hatred of waste. To-day the vast quantity, but appalling quality of the food available to the lucky majority of us, horrifies me greatly. The total lack of honesty and self-respect that the 21st. century has brought to Homo Sapiens must indicate our sinking to previously inconcieveable levels. Humanity in all its developing stages has progressed in one form or another, either materially, scientifically or spiritually, and the revival of the Chinese to a position of power and infulence, after a break of many years indicates clearly the recouring pattern of the sapiens existence. Phoenetian, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans etc. all had their political difficulties, famine and pestelence. Surely in his present attempt to bring to our awareness, the sad condition of our race, as evidenced all around us, Mr. Humphries is to be much admired. We could all do so much more than we do. The result of selfish attention to our particular apparent material needs to the detriment of all else, is condemned by Mr.Humphries. Quite right. Also, he makes me laugh when he ties obvious idiots (no names here! as W.S Gilbert recommends, 'I'll leave the names to you!) in knots, a great sport for early a.m. KEEP IT UP JOHN,
Gerry S Rose, Newport
I'm a big fan of the Humphrys manner of incisive interviewing. He appears to come from a school sadly dying out.
tony from cwmbran
nice one john keep the flag flying
Bill Wayne in Stalybridge
Think he is great, love it when somebody touches a raw nerve for all of us who are not in a position to comment ourseelves, please keep it going John Humphrys.
David Wise from Wiltshire
I hope that John Humphrys will continue being one of the few BBC broadcasters who stand up for the principles on which the BBC was founded, and not be discouraged by pressure from his bosses, whose servile attitude to the Government is apparent.
Jack (Cardiff)
Humphries has the humph. Long may he have it
John Richard Jones from Warton, Lancashire
I believe that John did the right thing and said what he thought which reflects what many of us think of some politicians, especially the present leaders of the Labour Party.
I used to support Labour but no longer with all the double standards as well as the Iraq war. It seems that they try to give a distorted image in their favour and make small look bigger than big in order to win what they would otherwise have lost.
Lower standards, more passes means they try to make it look as if standards are increasing with more passes but they try to conceal the lower overall standards.
John is good at putting some politicians in their place and it becomes apparent that some of them get edgy when John asks some questions that aren’t so easy to divert around. If it weren’t for reporters like John, politicians would get away with too much.
I didn’t know he was from Splott – interesting how close some well-known people are linked to places you go without realising it. I have often gone to Splott Market on Sundays when down visiting friends in the Cardiff/Bridgend/Swansea areas.
Susie from Scotland
He seems honest ... unlike 95% of politicians and, particularly, unlike my impression of the tenant of 10 Downing Street ...
Anthony Escott. Cima, Italy.
I am able to watch John here and I never fail to appreciate that he asks the very questions I need to ask of the Labour politicians who seem hell bent on destroying the country I once loved.
Peter Birmingham from Cowbridge
John Humphrys is my favorite BBC personality because, in my opinion, he is honest, clever, fair, clear and caring. All the other Today presenters are very good as well!
Barrie Howell Penarth
Without people like John Humphries, we might never get the answers or results from politicians and others who try to 'cover up' and evade. He pins them down to give direct answers.
Don Carrington, Derbyshire
I admire John Humphrys' aggressive style of interviewing and his way of not letting his subject wriggle out of answering his questions. The reason that politicians object to his line and style of questions is that they do not like telling the truth which exposes them to what they are really are. Continue to expose the truth John and don't ever be gagged.
Brian from Penarth
I didn't hear or read the lecture from Humphrys but it would have helped if you had printed it and we could argue from the facts. But journalism is like that isn't it? Let both the journalists and the politicians in and chaos reigns since they don't let the facts and truth interfere with what they want to say. Humphrys is as bad as the rest in that but it's the pot calling the kettle black (if I'm allowed to use that word) when the BBC criticises the broadcaster for criticising the politicians who then complain to the BBC.(Editor's Note: John Humphrys made his comments in a private after dinner speech and we have no rights to reproduce it here. However, details were obtained by The Times - for more information, see www.timesonline.co.uk.)
Paul Stephens, Llantwit Major
I fail to see the need for the fuss.
Much of what Humphreys' said is too true to be funny. The problem - as I see it - is that Humphreys' asks questions, and says things, that neither the government, nor the BBC (Blair's Bull****ing Chums & Labour's semi-official mouthpiece?) - want asked or said.
I do not recall a similar fuss when one of Humphreys' assistants asked a labour oik what would happen "when we win the election"!
Sorry if some of the above is unpaletable (to the BBC) - but that's the way it seems to me.
The acid test for me is this: were I asked whether to take the word of a Member of Parliament - any member, any party, either house - against that of Humphreys' - which would I take? No prizes for working it out. Humphreys' every time! (even if he is from Splott!)
Paul Stephens
(sometime of Roath & Llanrumney)
Brian Griffiths, Kilmany, Scotland
You asked my opinion on what I think of John's comments on politicians. They are spot on. As I near 70 years of age and see how little is being done for us ordinary people while they line their pockets at all levels of the political spectrum I only wish there was an organisation available to take them to task. If there is a return to life after death I think I would like to be a football pro or politician because then I would be made for life. I hope John can carry on with his comments.
Pam from Cumbria.
John Humphreys is a breath of fresh air and it's a pity he isn't the prime minister instead of our simpering occupant of Number 10. Keep up the good work John!
Graham Davies from Barry
A free society needs skillful commentators like John Humphreys to keep powerful, spin-obsessed politicians in their place. John reminds us all that politicians serve the people, not themselves and their over-inflated egos.
Gina from Cardiff
I have the greatest respect for this man. Long may he broadcast.
pat smith American living in scotland
John Humphrys is excellent in asking questions and demanding answers we would all like to ask politicians when they can NEVER answer, except for platitudes and going on so long no one can ask the next question. GREAT MAN FOR BRITAIN to have on BBC!
Eve Robins
Quite the best interviewer the BBC have - please don't ever let him go!
Dwayne Doberman from USA
The correct term for an expat from Splott is Splottite!
Hugh Cameron from Birmingham
John's book 'Devil's Advocate' is a thouroughly compelling view of today's moral climate. It reads as he speaks, and addresses relevant sociological issues that affect us all. It is unpatronising, yet very challenging. I urge anyone who is a fan to get this book!!!! God bless you John!!!
David Williams From Ebbw Vale
I remember John writing a column for Wales On Sunday some years back and he wrote a piece about university education. Now considering that the nearest John got to university was passing the gates of Cardiff University on his way to buy a sandwich from the cafe, he still managed to have some pretty.I have one up on John in that I actually went to university and graduated and I wrote in to the paper criticising the arrogant and non-sensical argument he espoused. The paper published my letter and that was that. Except that the following week the paper published my letter again!
This time it came to the notice of the Cardiff Big Mouth. He wrote in his column "I don't know if D. Williams of Ebbw Vale is a Mr Mrs or a Miss, but to accuse me of arrogance is a bit rich coming from someone who has the tenacity to send their letter in twice for publication". That summed him up for me - the man is a complete clown. Considering he often makes comment on his newspaper background, he was too thick to comprehend that some humble sub-editor had made the mistake of printing the letter twice and not me for sending it in. He couldn't answer the points raised in my letter preferring to try and take a lift out of me.
I turn off the radio and television now whenever he appears as I don't want to listen to someone whose ego so far outstretches their intelligence. John Humphrys is a small man with a small brain.
Anne from Middlesex
I do so agree with his comments about Television generally; there are few good/improving programmes. It is time the BBC improved their viewing menu.
He is a super broadcaster and a man who is not afraid to speak his mind - well done.
Zhu Shuoren from China
Successful man, nice job, wonderful life:)
Steve Crump
We all know John as the consummate professional. As a 12 year old schoolboy living in Pontypool in the mid 60s I remember John doing an interview (for TWW I think) in Pontypool town centre. I decided to try and get on to the 'telly' and started to jumped up and down behand the interviewee so my head kept bobbing into view. With this John stopped the interview and came up to me and in a quietly conrolled voice said 'Why the hell don't you bugger off'. Well deserved comments at the time - I have told this story to my children who often say when John is on the radio or TV that 'he once tolded my Dad to bugger off'.
Michael in Hong Kong
As a fellow Splottian - if that's the right word - nice job.
Barbara Beynon from Cardiff
We were at the same school before he moved to Adamsdown Junior and I went to Moorland Rd Junior. My memory is of him, myself and June Davies vying for 'top' place in the class. I seem to remember him being part of the 'Hallinans' crowd when I was a student radiographer and his (future) wife was a student nurse. I have followed his career with interest and make no secret of the fact that I boast of my (albeit tenuous) connection with him!
What's your view of John Humphrys?
Tenacious journalist and broadcaster
In 1966 Humphrys joined the BBC which soon spotted his star quality. He became the corporation's youngest ever foreign correspondent at the age of 28 and reported from many of the world's hotspots before coming home to present the Nine O'Clock News.
