smart RRst

Like it.
Who can I try it out on in a text?

As for the BBC's attitude to music generally, it's hard-edged narrow on the outside but ever so woolly in the middle.

This is how it goes: It begins (they think) with 'posh mainstream' classical on R3 but annoys the 'posh mainstream' punters by dumping in 'minority' listening which they think is 'common'. It ends with 'not really cutting edge but they think it is' 6 Music. 'F*lk' music is scattered about between R3 ('minority' as mentioned), R2 (Krusby/Lakeperson/SoH or whoever Smoothops thinks is the latest 'flavour), and R4 (often a useful - if not too accurate- identifier in documentaries and drama).

To struggle quite easily onto topic, the programme Bright Phoebus specifically was a classic example of how R4 uses music with All Around My Hat played at the first mention of Martin Carthy in Steeleye Span, even though he had not a lot to do with it. In other words, the BBC (as a corporate body, not just a few individuals) doesn't understand it, or even like it but they'll use it for the 'follow-through, grab the audience share and keep it', accountancy-based agenda.

This is not, to me, what public service broadcasting should be. Nor is CMD/MBM or whatever Mr Bulmer is calling his empire today the right way to deal with a national cultural treasure. Of course, the BBC won't fire me for saying this as they already have. Mr Bulmer's first reaction may be to rant and snarl at me from his bunker but if he just thinks about it, he'll realise I'm right. How to be instantly popular, all-round good guy (well almost), and EVERYBODY wins: just think, Dave. Do the deal.