I know what the problem is, Silas - and I used to work for the Beeb many years ago. There have to be value judgments, naturally, but at least an individual series producer can construct a set of boundaries in which to work and develop a series theme - and that theme can be examined and debated if necessary.

Just look at what Sting is doing with his show about the Gateshead shipyards - wonderful. But then he has money and mixes with money, so he can get his talent and the talents of others up there with an audience. Still takes guts though.

I'm glad, on the whole, that we still have the Transatlantic Sessions, though - like others - I've been increasingly frustrated over the years with what I perceive to be a growing blandness in the presentation. But, hey-ho, that's just me - I like a bit of grit in the mix - and to my mind, series 6 can't compare with series 2 or 3 , for example.