BBC Local Radio - New National Evening Programme

I still can’t understand the reason why that The Roger Day Show is going to be axed just because of this. The Roger “Twiggy” Day Show was one of those radio programmes which was really worth listening too.

What a pity it wasn’t available in my Local/Regional area
(BBC Radio Wales)

Terry Box:

I still can’t understand the reason why that The Roger Day Show is going to be axed just because of this.

It’s not just Roger’s programme (which goes out on six BBC LR stations) that’s being axed, though – all of the regionally-shared LR evening programmes are being replaced with this new networked programme.

Local Radio has to make cuts as part of the BBC’s overall DQF (Delivering Quality First) proposals.

It is absolutely no money, is it? Now: this £150,000 doesn’t include presentation staff; but you’d still have to hire a studio – and it’s speech-led, which means it’s not cheap to make.

Of course, RIG won’t kick up a fuss about it – since there’s nobody else in town for them other than the BBC. The comparison with Radio 4 is valid – and I can’t help wonder whether it’s BBC local radio dragging their heels and trying to avoid change. Change, after all, recommended by someone who worked for commercial radio.

One of the things that people do not seem to get is that listeners to BBC local radio, apart from being of mature years, as also very loyal and passionate about their bit of the beeb. This partly stems from the way the stations were introduced back in 1968. Yes, I know that radio has changed, and evolved a hell of a lot since then but one thing has stayed true, for the most part BBC locals, have stayed ‘local’. Yes there have been regional tie ups, like the Roger Day show and the new Sunday afternoon Mike Wyre Show that I think goes out on 4 or 5 locals in the Midlands, but for the rest of the time, programmes come from the studio based in the area served and the listeners know, and appreciate that.

Now this new programme, presumably, although not yet decided, will come from London, or maybe Birmingham or Salford, but it will not be from the local studio. And, however you dress it up, that fact cannot be hidden. Whilst I am not happy with it, I can understand why it is being done, but I am a bit suprised they chose the 1900-2200 slot, which it has already been said, will see many stations opt-out during the footie season to cover the local clubs in league and cup matches during the midweek. Personally, I would have thought the 2200-0100 slot would have been better for this networked programme. Unless that is, the editors in local radio feel that they get more ‘local’ listeners in this later slot.

I am sure the BBC are resigned to the fact that many stations will be opting out for live sport. They may even make a point about it, highlighting the fact that although the slot is networked, local stations are still able to opt-out and provide locally demanded content.

I can’t see RIG objecting either, although there must be only a handful of companies who have the skills to do this and the will to churn out a lot of radio. My guess is the programme will not be news driven and instead by older version of the in-demand shows across Bauer. Lots of showbiz, entertainment driven and BIG. It’s the only way to draw attention away from the fact it’s not local.

Evening listening can be quite different to daytime and for lots of listeners once they get past the new voice(s) they won’t object too much. I only hope, though, that the emergency plan includes being able to get staff in local studios when they have to.