Interested (well not really) to hear Conrads views as to what else a music radio station can play, other than cds?
Which, incidentally is far from free. Needletime, PRS, MCPS, Royalties etc.
And before you say live musicians, I know for a fact having worked (recognise that word?) at the BBC for over 30 years in Music Radio, It is very far from free.
It's hellishly expensive,
Even 1 guy and a guitar, takes time to set up. And the performer would have to be very good indeed to actually keep any kind of audience.
So Conrad, you don't know much about the workings of the real world, and you know even less about the BBC.
In fact the BBC do far more than any other broadcaster in the UK, It's just that it's spread throughout other programmes.
And it has done some spectacular documentaries Radio Ballads for instance (Both the original and the sequel a couple of years ago)
Using the voices and memories of miners, dock workers, etc. With a sound track of both Traditional and contemporary songs.
Chris Wood did an excellent documentary (again illustrated with music and poetry) on the mummers play, as performed in the early 20th century in the UK, mainly narrated by an octegenarian.
My point being is that these programmes took hours to record, edit, mix. to the highest of standards, and wonderful though they are, the listening audience was tiny.
So Conrad, I'd love to see exactly what programme idea you would pitch at the heads of BBC Radio 2 that would get upwards of 500,000 listeners every week.
Please include who the production company is, how it is going to be funded, etc.
Do you think we haven't tried?
As I say occasionally something great sneaks onto the air.
But in the real world....
So, basically, your pissing in the wind.
But, careful you point the right way.