Radio 4 ends 'Open Book' after 26 years and Di Speirs leaving after three decades

BBC Radio 4’s "Open Book" has ended after 26 years, with a new books-focused programme starting in Scotland, while BBC books editor Di Speirs is moving on from the BBC after more than 30 years. 

The popular weekly "Open Books” show ran its last episode earlier this month though the broadcaster revealed it is launching a new book programme, made in Scotland. The name and title have not yet been announced but it will air regularly in the same way as "Open Book". 

The BBC also confirmed that its longtime books editor Speirs is moving on from the BBC later this year after launching the 20th National Short Story Awards where she will continue as a judge. The BBC has not yet confirmed if she will be replaced.

A BBC Spokesperson said: "‘Open Book’ has broadcast its final programme and we’re grateful to the team for a brilliant last series. Radio 4 is committed to literary coverage and with one chapter ending, another begins as we welcome a brand new regular book programme to Radio 4 next month. Produced in Scotland, the new series will talk to writers about their latest books and delve into their book collection, with plenty of recommendations for listeners." 

"Open Book" began in 1998 and was most recently presented by Johny Pitts and Chris Power.

Writing for the Telegraph, in a piece titled "BBC radio must not be allowed to neglect its experts", arts writer Chris Bennion said: "I don’t envy the decision-makers at the BBC, operating in difficult times, but I don’t envy us listeners either. Our experience is diminished. 

"Perhaps not many listeners will mourn ‘Open Book’ (Radio 4, Sunday), but I will. Commissioners at Radio 4 would likely point out that ‘A Good Read’ (Radio 4, Monday), which has been running in some form since 1970, is still going strong. But ‘A Good Read’ leans more heavily on celebrity names and the entire canon of English literature, while ‘Open Book’ devoted itself to the new and the now. It performed a vital service—making the novel feel like an alive art form, not a museum piece. 

"Radio 2 and Radio 4 have more than their quota of celebrity DJs, interview shows and comedians (we’re just due a comedian as a regular host of the ‘Today’ programme and the comic takeover of Radio 4 will be complete), but there must always be a place for experts championing the arts."