England footballer Raheem Sterling and the mother of two murdered sisters will be among the guest editors on Radio 4’s Today programme over the Christmas period.
The outgoing Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, will also edit the station’s flagship news show.
Other people who will be given the title include James Rebanks (author), Lord Dobbs (Conservative peer), Jacky Wright, Microsoft chief of digital, and Dr Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace.
The Today program has offered guest editors for 18 years an opportunity to create it during the week that runs from Christmas through New Year.
Sterling is a Manchester City Star who has made a strong stand against racism.
Recently, he launched a charity foundation that supports children and young adults in need.
His programme is expected to focus on social mobility as well as the importance of sports leaders in society.
He said last month on racism: ‘I’m trying to take more action within the limits that I can do, of how I can help.
Mina Smallman will be editing an episode. Mina Smallman is the mother of Nicole and Bibaa, who were both murdered.
Raheem sterling, a Man City and England star will also be the editor for this prestigious program
The announcement of Sir Nick Carter, the outgoing Chief Of Defence Staff has been made
‘We can ask for help once, ask for help twice – I shouldn’t even say help: it should be a case that we see a situation happening and that should not be allowed to happen.
It would have been taken more seriously if it was comments about something else. I don’t think when racist abuse is mentioned it’s taken as seriously as maybe some other topics.’
Sterling stated previously that the racist abuse suffered by Chelsea in December 2018 caused him to openly speak on the subject.
He was attempting to retrieve a ball from the Matthew Harding stand, during Manchester City’s defeat by 2-0 in Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
Blues carried out an investigation, and banned one fan from ever returning to the Blues. They also issued sanctions against five others for bad behavior during matches.
The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue criminal charges.
This made him think about media coverage over his career, and he released a statement that urged him to “Have another thought about fair publicity and give all players an equally chance.”
Lord Dobbs will appear as a guest editor at Today. He has previously criticised BBC.
James Rebanks is a farmer and writer. He was photographed in Lake District National Park together with Simon Reeve.
Jacky Wright is the chief digital officer of Microsoft. She was also mentioned in guest editors
Mina Smallman (ex-archdeacon of the Church of England), whose two daughters, Nicole Smallman and Bibaa, were murdered at a Wembley park last June, will examine the role of chaplaincy and the support that victims of crime get.
Reclaim These Streets is also included in this programme.
It may be difficult for Met Police to listen to her show, given that she called today for Dame Cressida Dixon’s resignation.
Two officers were accused of taking photos and sharing them with others while they were supposed be protecting the scene.
General Sir Nick’s programme will include reports about Afghanistan and alternative ways to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Best-selling author and Cumbrian farmer Mr Rebanks will look at the role of that urban farms can play while Dr Goodall’s programme will look at the link between poverty and climate change.
Ms Wright will talk about whether young people have the skills to be successful in the job of the future.
Lord Dobbs has been diagnosed with prostate carcinoma earlier in the year and is encouraging Today listeners to find out more about beating it.
Special episodes of the series will air from December 27 to January 3 2022.
Owenna Griffiths, editor of the Today programme, said: ‘Each year on Today the guest editors bring novel ideas, surprising perspectives and, on occasion, a little sparkle to the programme.
‘This year is no exception and I’m absolutely thrilled these guest editors have agreed to spend some time with us to help illuminate and make sense of the world we live in.’
On December 27, Olympic diver Tom Daley, will also make his Radio 2 debut.
The Princess Bride will also be adapted for radio by Radio 4, which will broadcast it on Christmas Day.
Radio 5 Live will host a Christmas Day Special featuring Stacey Dooley, and 6 Music will be hosting a Christmas Eve special with Jarvis Cocker.