Will, I agree with what you say up to a point, but I think it does matter. Of course it's not a measure of the music whether or not it's played on radio. However I remember that when I was a youngster Folk on 2 was hugely influential in my exploration of folk music. It was essential listening. I'm afraid the same can't be said for the current programme, and I fear the situation will only get worse.

I really don't see how minority interests such as folk music can be brought into the mainstream. If they were attractive to the general audience they wouldn't be minority listening. The only way to make them mainstream is to ignore the more difficult stuff and just play music which is already close to mainstream tastes. It may be very fine music, but it rules out a lot of other very fine music. The insistence on moving even further towards the "mainstream" can only result in an even blander programme. The more challenging music which doesn't even appeal to all folk fans, let alone a general audience, will seldom be heard.

If the BBC purports to support these types of music (not just folk), it should at least do it properly. An hour a week isn't really too much to ask. Whether Radio 2 is now an appropriate home for it is another question entirely.