I think the point made by compton above re Mike Harding's programme i.e. 'With the exception of John Peel and perhaps Andy Kershaw, all D.J's and Presenters of Music on BBC..have a man at the back (Producer!)'... sums up the problem with folk on the beeb. John Peel in the early days had a kind of partnership or understanding with his producer i.e the late John Walters, and together they broadcast some outstanding music.

Whatever control Mike has over his programme and whatever you think of the content, surely it's better than having no programme at all!?. I'm sure Mike tries to show as many aspects of the current 'folk/contempory' scene as his remit allows. I certainly would not consider his programme a disservice to 'folk'.