Howard - I answered your questions because its nice to have one's presence acknowledged. However I do think maybe we are making the classic mistake of ezamining the entrails of the past.

THe way forward surely is to look forward. We need our own television channel, our own national radio. And not the glum middle class buggers of BBC4. If we have a platform, we need people with some concept and experience of entertainment.

We need the political power to be wrested away from the weakened music industry. When I was gigging old peoples homes - before I did my gig. The radio was always blaring away - totally ignored by residents and staff - we need a radio stations with old people in mind.

If you entertain you will gain importance and be able to advance your agenda. Who would have thought a programme based on ballroom dancing would have any econpmic importance?