I agree Howard. perhaps one factor is the fact that they seem to put folk programmes on at times when they are competing with more general broadcating fare.

Humph lyttleton's Jazz club ran from 12pm til 2 am - there was a definite sense of opting in. Jazz fans used to bitch about it - hey are we all supposed to be insominiacs in dark glasses?

Humph like Mike Harding had nothing to prove - both men had long successful careers as performers. the thing of course that made it work for Humph was that he was working at a time when jazz was very exciting fare - so many great players were still at the top of their form and producing great work. I think Humph got out when the jazz scene went off the boil.

I don't really think acoustic music has that sort of frisson of creative excitement about it at this moment of time. theres good stuff around - but not much of it really sets your mind on fire, and will attract a huge devoted audience.