BBC GMR Axes Community Programmes!

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Mark Dowding
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 05:16 AM

We don't know at all. All we know is what was in the Daily Mirror (if that's what Lawrence Mann's statement implies) and we're reading between the lines as to what might happen to the other specialist interest programmes that are currently broadcast including Sounds of Folk but the fact that nobody from the BBC has come forward to say a definite "Yes, we're going to continue with Sounds of Folk" or "No, It's going with the rest of the programmes" doesn't fill me with any confidence for the future of the show as a one hour concentration of music we like to listen to.

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: andrewq
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 04:59 AM

I wrote to BBC GMR to express my disappointment at the possible axing of Sounds of Folk. It is the only thing I listen to on the station and covers music and regional music news that is not available elsewhere on the network.

This is the whole of the informative reply I got back:

"How do they know ...mmmmmmmmmmm!

Lawrence Mann .Senior Broadcast Journalist (Programmes).BBC GMR
0161 244 3052. "

So much for openness and accountability in the BBC. Perhaps they don't think their publicly funded institution needs to respond properly to listeners' concerns?

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: sian, west wales
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 04:45 AM

I wrote to David Jackson, Head of Music BBC Wales, the week preceding the first airing of Folk Britannia asking for a statement for our magazine about the Welsh content of the series. The reply from a press assistant is in the thread about FB. I posted the letter on the Thursday and by Monday morning a Radio Wales journo was on the phone to do a studio interview with me for Tuesday a.m.'s programme. So I knew then that there wouldn't be anything Welsh in FB ... hence making the title misleading.

Anyhow, the journo was quizzing me about why I thought there was this sudden upsurge in interest in folk music. I said the interest was always there; the Media just did it's best to ignore it, et al.

David Jackson is also "responsible for co-ordinating the commissioning of music television programmes emanating from the nations and regions and all music programmes for BBC FOUR" according to the Beeb website so perhaps letters directed at him would also be useful.

siân

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 08:22 PM

"'Talk Shows' are extremely popular on local radio"

I can't quote any references, but I will second this statement. They're cheap to run - compared to other types?

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 07:47 AM

Guest, pray tell who you are and what source you quote from

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 07:14 AM

Unfortunately for the "Sounds of Folk" cause 'Talk Shows' are extremely popular on local radio. Sorry, but there it is!

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Mark Dowding
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 06:54 AM

I gather that John Ryan used to work at BBC Radio Leeds.
Interesting!!

Mark

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 12:04 PM

Very disturbed to read of this new threat. It's exactly what happened a few years ago with BBC Local Radio channels Leeds et al dropping Henry Ayrton's exceedingly well-regarded folk & roots show at a whim to concentrate on yet more talk, talk, chat, more chat and endless sport which the programme controllers decreed was what listeners really really want. Oh yeah??? I don't know of a single listener who wants more sport - we're all desperately sick of these mindless idiots in charge of the radio waves pandering to the Great God Sport (or the Lord Almighty Phone-in) and denying us folks our limited fix of the important stuff, the true folk culture of this fair land. Back on me soapbox....
MM

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: John J
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 11:37 AM

I've emailed GMR telling them of my feelings along with a link to this thread so they can see what their audience thinks. If they're interested.

As yet I've not had a response.

JJ

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Mark Dowding
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 10:23 AM

I have sent my email to John Ryan and am still waiting for a reply.

BBC GMR used to be called GMR Talk with endless phone-ins all day. I think that's what they want to return to for some reason.

The programme before Ali's is called the Parlour and is an Irish community magazine show - very popular. They won't go down without a fight I'm quite sure.

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 09:11 AM

Snuffy email him for clarification and put your tuppence worth in

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: Snuffy
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 08:57 AM

"weekly music shows are not at the heart of the station's speech proposition" (John Ryan, Manager Editor at GMR)

Can we have that again, John, but in English this time?

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 07:28 AM

I think you will find that once the BBC makes up its mind it ain't going to change it. I know this might not be what you want to hear but believe me..

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: John J
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 06:44 AM

...and another thing: Ali's programme is what BBC Radio 2 should be producing, not the feeble effort we have had to put up with over the last few years.

JJ

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 06:11 AM

JohnJ email to Joh Ryan tell him !

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: John J
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 06:04 AM

That's absolutely bloody ridiculous.

What on earth is this man trying to do?

Ali and her team present a very popular programme that is very well produced to very professional standards.

I'm sure the programme doesn't cost the BBC much money, it attracts an educated audience, and it covers the very broad range of subjects that is 'folk'.

I can only assume that by dumbing down the station, for that is clearly what they're looking to do, it becomes cheaper to run.

'Mainstream programming' must surely be much easier and cheaper to produce. Perhaps it's just coincidence, but most times when I tune in to GMR in the evening it appears to be discussing or covering football. In such cases I then change to Radio 4 or the BBC World Service.

It makes a refreshing change to be able to listen to an intelligently presented programme transmitted by my BBC local radio station whatever the programme content (apart from sport).

The management of GMR must be doing this for a reason, it's either to make their jobs easier or to save money. Perhaps both. Or is it because 'they' know what is best for us?

BBC GMR and it's management will lose much credibilty and many listeners if these changes are implemented.

Disgusted of Timperley.

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,treaties 1 in Oz
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 04:47 AM

Refresh and I will e mail GMR when I can (credit running out very quickly)
Theresa

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 04:33 AM

refresh, this is in need of a concerted effort on contact Auntie B and let me know your thoughts

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 09:21 AM

Hi One and All,

Below is the response that I received from John Ryan, Manager Editor at GMR, it is not good reading (although speedy). Perhaps a concerted effort by North West Folkies may help sway the balance in favour of keeping Ali's programme. If the people who make these decisions are made aware of the strong desire to keep a folk programme they may do just that. The way I interpret the comments below do not lead me to believe they will keep the folk progamme, showcasing regional music talent is not the same thing. So it would seem advisable to contact GMR and let them know of the vibrant folk music scene in the North West. The email address is [e-mail]
as always (I'm sure I don't need to say this to 99.99% of you) keep it polite !

Joh Ryans response:-

Hi Nick
We have made no final decision about the future of our specialist music shows and will take your comments on board.
That said, weekly music shows are not at the heart of the station's speech proposition. I am sure whatever arrangements we make, we will continue to find a home showcasing regional music talent and listings.

J

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:37 AM

Nothing about it on the GMR website.

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:34 AM

Hi Raggy

Write to
The Station Editor
BBC GMR
PO BOX 951
Oxford Road
Manchester
M60 1SD

Email [e-mail]

Good Luck

Mark

Subject: RE: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:28 AM

Hi Mark

If you could a contact name and email address we could bombard someone for clarification that Ali's show will be kept, any chance

Nick

Subject: BBC GMR AXES COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES!
From: GUEST,Mark Dowding
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:17 AM

The Daily Mirror yesterday ran a story that BBC GMR in Manchester was to axe its community programmes in a cost cutting exercise. Although the story focussed on the programme Gay Talk which has been running for ten years, for us folkies, this means that along with all the other specialist shows, Ali O'Brien's show "Sounds of Folk" which has been running for nearly three years is also under threat of being dropped. For a radio station that prided itself on being community based this rather smells of the bean counters' actions.
I imagine writing in to the station to complain will make not a ha'porth of difference.
I presume Ali cannot comment on this at present for obvious reasons but it would be a crying shame that a programme that she and others fought for a few years ago will probably now be dropped.
The article had a quote from the BBC saying that the "Gay and Lesbian issues need to be incorporated into mainstream programming rather than just being relegated into a 30 minute weekly show"

"Relegated" suggests that they treat the specialist shows as inferior programmes instead of acknowledging that the concentration of a genre into an hour has a dedicated following.

Projecting that to the folk show does it mean that folk music will feature more heavily in the playlists of the mainstream presenters ie be spread so thinly through the schedules that there will not be a listener base.

Having had more than a passing interest in the show since it started I'm not very happy with current developments.

I'm sure more will come out in the long run.

Mark