This is obviously a knee-jerk reaction to the demise of Folkwaves (Mick and Lester on Radio Derby), which is NOT a 'failed folk programme'.

Instead, it's one of a number of 'specialist music programmes' that the BBC has seen fit to withdraw from its schedules. This is a decision not made at a local level, but a deliberate shift in the BBC's local radio policy.

The same fate happened to the 'specialist music programmes' on BBC GMR in April 2006. 'Sounds of Folk', presented by Ali O'Brien and me, was one of the 'casualties', but we moved to Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm (also online) where we were welcomed with open arms, and are not far away from programme 200!

So what justification do you have for labelling these programmes as 'failed'?