Back in the early 70s while I was working for BBC South in Southampton we produced a half hour folk programme, "Look What They've Done To My Song", using nearly all local performers, Jake Thakray being the exception.
They included Dave Williams, Mo Thomas and Rick Keeling and the show was introduced by Steve Race.
I invited members of the Cutty Wren and Fo'c's'le Folk Clubs to make up the audience.
The local press loved it, and here I quote from memory.."...BBC South has stepped out of the dark ages...lets have more".
In 1972 BBC South produced a half hour film of the Christchurch Festival, with names such as The High Level Ranters, Vin Garbutt, Johnny Collins, The Songwainers, etc.

Along the way I was able to coerce "them that decide" to feature a few locals such as, Mo Thomas of course, The Ragged Boys, Malcomb and Graham.
Since then....Hmmmmm??
I think in later years the easy going style of the average folk singer was not seen to be sophisticated enough for the new age.
Ho hum.

Andy