Happy birthday to Radio 4, which has just turned 40. I’m amazed that such a timeless, ageless institution is only 9 years older than me. When I first started listening in my teens Radio 4 should have just been finishing university and heading off on its gap year, but it was already like a trusted and eccentric old uncle.

Radio 4 is the ultimate emotional brand. It has an unrivalled voice and personality, and a deep relationship with it’s customers. It can be infuriating, comforting, funny and surprising, and it grows with it’s audience. I realised the depth of my relationship with the brand when a clip of Alistair Cook on Sunday’s birthday special brought tears to my eyes. It was an instant, emotional reaction that took me by surprise. The reaction wasn’t because I was reminded of the death of Alistair Cook. It was because his voice took me back to a part of my relationship with Radio 4 that had ended.

Radio 4 is the one brand that I couldn’t live without. Happy Birthday old friend.