Folk Programme Axed!

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 02:32 PM

While not wishing to rub salt etc., John Ryan was in the Isle of Man on Friday March 10th in his capacity as Chairman of the North West Branch of the Radio Academy. He was there to present Manx Radio with the 'Radio Academy Nations and Regions Award for Best Radio Station in the Northwest of England' (Geography is another thing.......!)
It's an award to stations with less than 300,000 listeners.
The citation reads, 'Manx Radio lived up to its unique position and status through passion, drive and ambition to be a truly local broadcaster and didn't sit on its laurels. Impressive diversity of scheduling and a high level of commitment to local news and communities. Exemplary range of current affairs, specialist music interests and sports.'

Something that his own radio station seems to be abandoning!

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Alio
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 05:00 PM

Thanks jojoetc - good idea. Although I do go to quite a few (the Open Door Extravaganza on Sunday was wonderful), it won't be quite the same as presenting my own programme, will it?
Ali

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: GUEST,one of the little people
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 06:09 AM

Hmmm, I find it difficult to feel too much sympathy. A few months ago (at her own request) I sent this woman a demo CD of mine, and she didn't even do me the courtesy of an acknowledgment. I wouldn't have minded at all if she'd just said, I won't play this because I think it's shit; but not to respond at all was pretty off. Too many people in the upper echelons of the folk establishment have this indifferent attitude towards grass-roots talent; and I'm pleased to see one of those knocked off their perch. What goes around tends to come around...maybe there's a lesson there?

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 07:07 AM

And some people seem to be never off the programme! Perhaps thats why they are so upset!

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: stallion
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 07:16 AM

mmmmmmm, ivory towers, I don't think so. Without getting into "what is folk", I suppose programmes content is decided by the producer/presenter and what is available, and, at the end of the day, if the audience figures are not there they only have themselves to blame. If however there is a strong following then irate letters to the station may help but not in my experience. Folk, to me, is what is going in the clubs and pubs when there isn't a headline act, although a most enjoyable pastime unfortunately this doesn't make good radio. I think Micheal Brothwell's "North Yorkshire Folk" is having a good stab at it and the listening figures, particularly on the internet, are good, in another sense very good, the number "hits" on the site is quantifiable evidence to support the continuation of the folk genre on radio. Perhaps then we ought to spread the "blue clicky" to as many people as possible to make sure the audience figures "go forth and Multiply"! (sorry can someone do the blue clicky thing, I always seem to mess it up!)

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 07:39 AM

I wonder if stallion can tell us - does a "hit" via the internet simply consist on clicking on the programme and listening for a minute or two?

I can´t see it working any other way in fact - but it does mean we could organise a "clicking evening" amongst ourselves and make some programmes popular!!

The downside of that is that programmes might go "internet only"!!

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 07:55 AM

"And some people seem to be never off the programme! Perhaps thats why they are so upset!"

Let's assume "Guest" - whoever he or she is - is talking about me. I've been on the programme five times in the 3 years that it's been running. I've "used" the programme as a communication point to talk about and bring attention to the Four Fools Festival in 2004, Ormskirk Comes Alive festival in 2005 using tracks from various CDs to showcase the guest artists, 2 musical projects that have highlighted Manchester's past history (2004 and 2005) and most recently at the end of February to give attention to my new CD and also to talk about the late great Harry Boardman with John Howarth of the Oldham Tinkers - both of us at different times were inspired by Harry to look at the music and tradition of where we live and without whom, the North West wouldn't have so vibrant a folk scene - if a folk scene at all. Now if that isn't what local radio is about then I don't know what it is for. I am upset for people like Ali and Bernard who run a fine show every week and now find that an institution like the BBC doesn't have the nous to realise that they have pockets of listeners - not just for the folk show but the other shows now shortly to go - that will not now be tuning in - it's their loss. The good thing is that it is Radio Britfolk and Community Radio's gain and if Ali will have me on her new show at any time I'd be delighted to go on it.

Of course it may not have been me "Guest" was talking about!

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 08:12 AM

Just seen this on the BBC Press Office: BBC Press Office
Comments to the usual address please.

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: GUEST,Blowzabella sans cookie
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 12:47 PM

Those comments from the Press Office take some taking in, Mark - it reads exactly opposite to what the actuality is going to be!! Talk abput propaganda!

Blowz - Another victim of 'policy change'

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 03:26 AM

Just had this back from BBC info:

Dear Mr Dowding

Thank you for your e-mail regarding BBC GMR.

I understand that you are unhappy that the station intends to change its programming content and focus on talk-based output as opposed to community or specialist music related broadcasts.

Please be assured that your comments on this matter will be fully registered and made available to production team and indeed senior management within the BBC. Feedback of this nature helps us when making decisions about future BBC programmes and services and your views will most certainly play a part in this process.

For the latest news on the changes, you may wish to visit the official GMR website in the coming weeks:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/england/gmr/index.shtml

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us with your concerns.

Regards

Jonathan Carberry
BBC Information

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: treewind
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 03:51 AM

"specialist programmes will no longer be broadcast outside of peak listening times but will be given an enhanced position at the heart of the schedule"

Remember that lads - next time you want to dump a girlfriend tell her you've given her an enhanced position at the heart of your schedule.

And I'm sure the citizens of Manchester, with all its artistic and cultural diversity, are proud to know the BBC have gone to a band from Seattle for the new jingle set to represent their city.

(or is "Seattle" the name of a Mancunian suburb of which I was previously unaware?)

Anahata

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 04:16 AM

Like others I've been writing to the BBC, and am still awaiting a reply from Ryan to my latest, but a thought occurs.. There is obviously a gap between the BBCs 'new' mandate and what's happening at local level. That's a matter for politicians as much as BBC middle management. As it happens I had a meeting with my MP about various folkie things last week, and it struck me that MPs always respond best to issues within their own constituency, for obvious reasons. Are you Manchester people writing to your MPs about this?

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: greg stephens
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 05:03 AM

Anahata: i wondered if it was misprint for "Settle", the sort of place successful Manchester musicians might relocate to.
    But seriously, it did seem a bit silly for a radio station to establish its identity by getting in music from Seattle,though perhaps it was to empahasise Manchester's glabal connections? But you would think, wouldn't you, that a city that can produce seven different tunes called the Manchester Hornpipe, and the Hacienda Club, would be capable of coming up with a suitable jingle for its local radio station.

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 08:13 AM

MPs are well aware of what's going on at GMR

http://rochdalelibdems.org.uk/news/89.html

Write to your MP

Contact your MP

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 08:58 AM

I believe the band in question sre from Seatle USA.

However, we have many fine singers, musicians and song writers from Seattle on Medlock, Seattle-cum-Hardy, not to mention Seattle on Mersey, Seattle o' th' Barn, Seattle Hole Clough, Seattle Platting, Seattle o' th'Hebers and Seattle-Under-Lyne.

And any of this fine crew could have offered something more appropriate

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 09:14 AM

From the press release issued by BBC Press Office on 17.03.06.

" Radio Manchester will increase its commitment to cover Manchester�s cultural, business and entertainment worlds, alongside its reputation for top quality and dependable news, sport, weather and traffic.

Community programmes are also being given a higher profile within the station's output."

Compare and contrast:-

The Irish Post reported on March 08 2006 that..."The village of Levenshulme in south Manchester has responded with fury after their local BBC radio station revealed it wanted to end Britain�s longest running Irish radio show.

Gay News reported on March 14 2006 that..."Gay men and women in the Greater Manchester area are furious. On Thursday March 30, the shutters will come down on Gaytalk, a 30-minute magazine radio programme that first went on the air ten years ago.

The programme is thought to be the only radio programme specifically aimed at the gay community in the UK...Also going are other niche programmes like Eastern Horizon, the bilingual Chinese and English programme which first aired December 1983 when the radio station was Radio Manchester, and the long-running The Parlour aimed at the Irish community.

In swingeing cuts, ordered by new GMR editor John Ryan, even the station�s Asian programming goes."

In an update on the campaign Gay News reports that local MPs have given their support, noting also that "Other weekly shows in danger include popular Jewish show It�s Kosher..."

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Alio
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 01:59 PM

To "Guest" you may be "one of the little people" but you've got a hell of a chip on your shoulder!! I've always had a committment to showcasing local artists or artists appearing in the area - if you fall into that category, my apologies. If not, perhaps there's a folk programme in your area?

Every week at GMR I have a pigeonhole full of CD's, and more arrive at home - at present I've around 30 - 40 waiting for me to listen to; there just isn't time in the day.
I never actually "request" CD's; if someone asks if they can send one, I never turn them down. I rarely turn artists away wanting to do interviews either. Over the past 3 years I've interviewed local, national and international artists, and some quite obscure! Some were selected by Laura and Jenny, the young people on the team, or by Bernard of course.

I spend around 5/6 hours per week preparing the show (I'm in the middle of it now) and try to present a diverse range of music. Some of the tracks I'm not keen on, but then, I'm not playing them for my benefit am I?

As for the "upper echelons", that's the artists, not the presenters! We merely facilitate. The "heroes" are the singers, musicians, poets -young and old, local and from far afield, male and female, soloists and groups, well known and unheard of etc.. And the "ivory towers" - have you seen our studios?!!!

On a happier note, I've been asked to present a 3rd programme - this time for Oldham Radio Cavell. I just wish I could afford to give up my day job!

Ali

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 02:53 PM

It was a great programme Ali, you and Bernard and all the other swho worked for presented and appeared on it did a great job. I gues we will all move on and poor ols chip on the shoulder will not, such is not much life

Les in Seatle-cum-Hardy

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 25 Mar 06 - 10:08 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 04:35 AM

Ali's last show tonight (and the Parlour and GMR Country)
Please email her with your support [e-mail]

Sad times

Mark

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: GUEST,clogger
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 03:36 PM

To Ali, Bernard and all concerned.... THANKS
Unfortunately I could not listen "live" due to work commitments so I missed "the last one"
On an angrier note,let's not forget to write to the M.P.'s!

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Bernard
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 05:58 PM

Ali will, no doubt, be reporting to you all soon, but please be patient. Whilst we were on air, her father had a fall and was rushed to hospital, and has a broken hip. She went to the hospital straight from the studios, so posting to Mudcat isn't exactly high on her list of priorites right now.

Thanks, everyone, for all your messages of support whilst we were on air, it gave us a warm feeling knowing so many of you were out there.

Clogger, if you (or anyone else) wants a copy of the last broadcast, send a stamped addressed jiffy bag to me and I'll post a copy out to you on CD. The 140mm x 195mm size is right for a CD in a plastic wallet, and only costs the same to post as an ordinary letter (Mainland UK).

Bernard Cromarty
56 Rawson Street
Farnworth
BL4 7RJ

Alternatively, post an empty memory card (I can handle any type) of 64Mb or greater, and I'll send it back with the programme in MP3 format. At 53Mb it would be too much to email...

The end of an era...

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Alio
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 04:40 PM

Well, that's that then! I enjoyed my last programme because we chose our favourite artists and tracks. But I did feel very emotional, especially playing Derek Gifford's closing song (Song for the Road).

Anyway, I'm looking forward now to starting work for Radio Brit Folk - as soon as Bernard gets his studio finished!!

Thanks for all the support and the fantastic messages!
Ali xx

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 03 Apr 06 - 10:49 AM

BBC GMR is dead - long live BBC Radio Manchester

From their updated website:

It's all about the music, music, music
BBC Radio Manchester is not a music station. But music's always been a big part of Manchester, and it's an important part of BBC Radio Manchester.
We're proud of our mix – we're over 60% speech across our schedule. This includes our peak 0700-0900 hours with Terry Christian, and the Allan Beswick Phone In. At other times, you'll hear carefully selected songs from your generation of music – alongside current songs that fit our sound.
Terry, and Conrad Murray, also present three hours of music made in Manchester – from all eras, and including the latest unsigned bands – each Saturday night from 10.

BBC RADIO MANCHESTER CURRENT PLAYLIST

Coldplay - The Hardest Part
Embrace - Nature's Law
Sugababes - Red Dress
Beverley Knight - Piece Of My Heart
Jack Johnson - Better Together
KT Tunstall - Another Place To Fall
James Blunt - Wisemen
The Feeling - Sewn
Madonna - Sorry
Corinne Bailey Rae - Put Your Records On

Does "carefully selected songs" mean songs that they don't have to pay any PRS fees or ones that don't stir any waves?

Looking at the new schedules, the only shows to suffer the axe seem to be the Folk and the Country shows (shows that played music). The other Minority Community Shows are still there in either another format in the 6-30pm slot for half an hour or on Saturday nights.

Football tonight anyway at 8-00pm - there's a surprise.

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Alio
Date: 03 Apr 06 - 05:10 PM

And also the classical, 30's / 40's, and brass band programmes - apparently they've received loads of complaints from brass band lovers - of which there are many round here of course.

Altogether, those audiences will be a sizeable number of people. Didn't listen tonight - I couldn't !!!

Ali

Subject: RE: Folk Programme Axed!
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 03:53 AM

Thanks for reminding us of the other music programmes Ali. So much for it being all about "the music, music, music"!
I used to listen to Christine Prentice's "String of Pearls" show before the Rugby programme on a Sunday before I started going to matches. A wonderful show for pre-Rock and Roll era music - very popular. The Brass band show used to wake me up on a Sunday morning as well.

By the way Ali, I hope your dad's OK and comfortable now after his accident.
Cheers
Mark