Conrad.
I feel so humble that our local radio stations meet with your approval.
Yes, Genevieve Tudar, Lester Simpson and Mick Peat do a fantastic job, and it's great that you are able to listen on line.
Their budget? Nothing. Their wages? Nothing.
But, They do it to spread the music not only in the UK, but worldwide via the Web.
As for the BBC having loadsamoney...Don't make me laugh.
The BBC is funded by the licence fee (A tax by any other name)
As long as you don't own a TV you get all Radio for free. (Mind you, watching TV on your computer is a bit of a difficult one at the moment!)
Anyway, I'm pleased that you have finally realised that Traditional music/Dance/Song is thriving in the UK (Because it is)
If you want the story from the horses mouth. Just ask Max. He has just spent a few weeks over here going to Festivals, Folk clubs, Singarounds etc, and by all accounts had a wonderful time.
I think that in future you should leave the UK out of your groundless condemnations.
We are doing just fine. I have never known a time when Traditional music was being embraced with such a passion as now. Particularly by the youngsters.
You seem to have a problem with the US scene?
I don't know why, (though by reading some of the posts here, I think I can guess.)
If you want something done. Go and do it. You live in a (mainly!) free country.
Go, organise a few gigs. Let us know how you get on, How many people attended, what did it cost you...I really would be interested to know.
But, keep us Brits out of it. We are very happy with our current situation thank you.