Free Thinking
# Free Thinking

Free Thinking is a radio programme broadcast on BBC Radio 3 as part of its "After Dark" late night programming. The programme is a rebranded version of Night Waves, "Radio 3's flagship arts and ideas programme". Night Waves was broadcast every Monday to Thursday evening, except during the Proms season.

BBC Radio 3 rebranded Night Waves as Free Thinking from 7 January 2014, and reduced the number of first-time broadcasts per week from four to three (plus one repeat).

## Format

Programmes usually included a mix of interviews, reviews, previews, discussions, commissioned writing and reports. Some episodes included a single interview with a prominent figure in the worlds of arts or ideas. The programme's presenters include Matthew Sweet, Philip Dodd, Rana Mitter, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy.

## Reception

The Guardian said in May 2010 "...the king of radio arts programmes is undoubtedly Night Waves, a programme so clever that it regularly makes me stand still and listen, usually halfway to the dishwasher with a plate in my hand...It's the desire to untangle arguments, to lift up their corners and see what lurks there. There's a gleeful range of references too...and a relish for intelligent debate."

