Martha Kearney

Broadcaster John Humphrys , presents his final edition of BBC Radio 4 's Today programme.

His departure brings the show to a in the vicinity of his 32 years on the flagship, during which time he earned a reputation as a tough interrogator, and the politicians.

Thursday program from interviews with former Prime Ministers David Cameron and Tony Blair .

the BBC Director-General Lord Hall said of public life to breathe would breathe a sigh of relief" at Humphrys' departure.

Describes him as a "journalism major", the Director-General: "He is driven by a strong sense of justice and a deep distrust of authority. It means that he always, aim, to represent the receiver and sat to know your rights. "

He added: "There is perhaps no greater recognition than the collective sigh of relief issued from the leaders and personalities of public life throughout the country. "

Humphrys has interviewed every Prime Minister on the program by Margaret Thatcher to Theresa May , But is not Boris grilled Johnson since he came to power.

Today's editor, Sarah Sands , joked Cameron, likely to be questioned about his decision, 2016 Brexit referendum, said he was coming Thursday's program, "to ensure that he got the old pain in the ass out of The Building ".

"He didn't Let Go ," Sands of the Humphrys on Radio 4 said The media. "He's a terrier, so I think you should expect something exciting. "

But Humphrys of not More Than only politician to give a hard time, she added. "John is more caricatured in this way," She Said . "He is able to, the style of the conversation, [But ] it is soft as well. "

Mr Blair, a discussion of the political Interview, and Today's presenters past and present pay tribute to.

Today, with four main speakers - Justin Webb , Mishal Husain , Martha Kearney and Nick Robinson - and not directly replace Humphrys is. The 76-year-old will continue to Mastermind on Bbc Two .

Before he worked Today in 1987, Humphrys as a BBC correspondent in the United States and Africa, as a diplomatic correspondent and presenter of The Nine o'clock news.

On The Daily Radio 4 Morning News programme, he was known for pinning political leaders and public figures. On the occasion, his interview style, the politician and listener incurred the wrath.

As he announced his departure in February, Humphrys said: "I love the program. I've always enjoyed. That is the problem. I should have gone years ago. Obviously, I should have gone years ago. "

He is now the senior Moderator and has been for the group of highest earners. His salary in 2016-17 was Between £600,000-£649,999, But he took a pay cut and went down to £290,000-£294,999 in 2018-19.

In a tribute in the Radio Times, Justin Webb , said: "There are many who like him, think that he is way too long, who wants him "sent to retirement ", or" put out of his misery' or whatever the phrase you use, to suggest that A Man in his 70s, is on air, somehow, an affront.

"Most of these people would self-Movement as an impeccable anti-sexists and anti-racists, But age discrimination is alive and well and, apparently, deep-acceptable in the anti-John. "

Webb the magazine: "John told don't give a stuff what you think of him. He is confused when Jon Snow of Channel 4 News talking about his followers online. Why would John want to trailer?

"John wants to be enemies, or at least respect, if he is paid, will be paid reluctantly. "

Speaking on Desert Island Discs in 2008, Humphrys, said he did not think that the majority of politicians deliberately lying to the program.

But he said: "I want to start with the assumption that you are there for your benefit, rather than necessarily to the benefit of The Audience . And it's my job to try, often, to get them to be a bit more open than you may have thought. "

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Source of news: bbc.com