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481 episodes — Page 10 of 10

23/09/2011

Does light music still have a place on the BBC? As listeners voice their doubts, Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan explains his decision to end Alan Titchmarsh's programme Melodies for You.As Americana also comes to an end over on Radio 4, Roger recalls controller Gwyneth Williams' reasons for the change and hears your reaction to the comedy which replaces it.The sounds of the past transport Roger back in time as he visits the new BBC Archive building, and hears about an ambitious project to make all the archive available in time for the BBC's 100th birthday in 2022. And as Philip Glass-watch moves into its second week, there's yet another sighting of the composer's ubiquitous piece.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Sep 23, 201127 min

16/09/2011

Listeners' champion Roger Bolton returns with a new series of Feedback in which conflict inevitably plays its part. From seemingly wall-to-wall coverage of 9/11 to changes to the Radio 3 schedule, Roger hears your views. Got eight hours plus to spare next week? Roger finds out more about the making of Russian wartime epic "Life and Fate" which takes up all of Radio 4's drama slots next week (apart from The Archers) and he finds out how you will be listening.We'll also be asking if the BBC's new services for Libya are part of a Foreign Office political offensive. And is the BBC trying to save money by recycling Philip Glass? Listeners wonder after the same piece pops up five times in one week. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Sep 16, 201127 min

29/07/2011

The controller of Radio 4 Gwyneth Williams takes questions directly from listeners on her recently announced plans to shake-up the schedule. Listeners tackle her on the controversial decision to cut afternoon readings from three to just one a week from next April.She also defends the axing of On The Ropes and The Choice and explains why more news is needed at lunchtime. Andy Parfitt, the controller of Radio 1 tells Roger Bolton why he is leaving the station after 13 years at the helm. And this summer, Radio 3 is making every one of its Proms concerts available in high definition. But will the sound quality be that much better?Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jul 29, 201127 min

22/07/2011

Roger Bolton gives a Feedback listener an access all areas backstage pass to the Today programme. Francesca Fenn talks to Sarah Montague, Charlotte Green and John Humphrys. Roger puts your queries to Ceri Thomas the editor of Today including length of items, gender balance and Murdoch overkill. A Feedback listener has a miserable Sunday night listening to Pick of the Week.And will the "visualisation of radio" mean early retirement for those with "a good face for radio"? Plus the World Service's Director of Global News Peter Horrocks talks about falling listeners and new funding models.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jul 22, 201127 min

15/07/2011

Have BBC journalists overindulged in the Murdoch meltdown? Roger Bolton puts your thoughts to Mary Hockaday the head of the BBC newsroom.What's your reaction to changes to the Radio 4 schedule? More news and more comedy? Roger finds out what's in store. And "watching" the radio - more networks are wheeling in the cameras to get their guests and presenters on screen as well as on air. But why?Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jul 15, 201127 min

08/07/2011

Was the Today programme interview with boxer David Haye below the belt? Many listeners felt robustness strayed unnecessarily into rudeness.Listeners query whether the fashion sense of Christine Lagarde, the new Head of the IMF, would have been scrutinised as it was on Radio 4's Profile if she was a man.And Lord Patten uses his first public lecture to announce the streamlining of the BBC complaints procedure, and substantial cuts in the pay and perks offered to the corporation's executives.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger Bolton know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jul 8, 201127 min

01/07/2011

The BBC complaints system needs an overhaul says an influential House of Lords Committee. Frustrated listeners agree.Roger visits the BBC Weather Centre to find out where north ends and south begins and to find out what a "sandwich of weather" is. Should forecasts substitute detail for metaphor?Hundreds of listeners have contributed to PM's Privacy Commission which is drawing a line between public interest and personal intrusion. Roger interviews the programme editor to find out how useful listener comments have been and to see what happens to all the information that's been gathered. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jul 1, 201127 min

24/06/2011

What is the secret of making children's radio - which children actually want to listen to? As listeners young and old object to the loss of much of BBC children's on-air programming, Roger Bolton asks Paul Smith, Head of Editorial Standards for BBC Audio & Music, if the BBC has given up trying to find an answer. Gregory Watson, Managing Director of children's station Fun Kids and Susan Stranks of the National Campaign for Children's Radio add their views to the debate.Does BBC 6 Music really offer an alternative to more mainstream stations? If so, why is it playing so much Coldplay? Bob Shennan, controller of 6 Music, defends the playlist.And listeners have been concocting fake Radio 4 programmes on Twitter. Apparently Feedback is 30 minutes of unbearable noise.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jun 24, 201127 min

17/06/2011

Roger Bolton encounters a sticky problem on You and Yours after listeners question the validity of a nine minute report on a doughnut manufacturer. You and Yours editor Andrew Smith defends the decision. Radio 3 devotee Chris Newman joins Roger for a behind the scenes visit to a live broadcast and find out some of the unexpected things that can go wrong during a performance. And 25,000 of you submitted your Desert Island Discs - so why were only five listeners' stories featured in a special programme celebrating the public's favourite discs? Desert Island Discs editor Alice Feinstein explains why- and says she hopes there's more to come. Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jun 17, 201127 min

10/06/2011

Radio 5Live has been accused by its commercial rival as being too focused on footie and being weak on news. Some listeners agree and the BBC Trust says more clarity is needed. Roger asks Adrian Van Klaveren, the controller of Radio 5Live to answer your criticisms. Is there a one-size fits all to Today programme interviews? Father Ted creator Graham Linehan wonders why there are "no positions possible except diametrically opposed ones". Many of you back him up.And the endless search for new comedy talent for BBC radio. A Feedback listener gets an access all areas pass to the Radio 2 New Comedy Awards to find out what the judges are looking for.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jun 10, 201127 min

03/06/2011

Is local radio in England worth its £110 million budget? Roger returns to his home county of Cumbria to speak to listeners there about why their local BBC radio station is one of the most popular in the country. And you wanted to hear more from Sharon Shoesmith, the former director of Haringey children's services. Maybe you would have if it was someone other than John Humphrys interviewing her on The Today programme.How many children listen to the radio in the middle of the night? None we hope, so why are so many of you being kept awake by CBeebies programmes at 2 o'clock in the morning? Radio 4's Network Manager Denis Nowlan explains.And what exactly is a lamb bank? Well it helps save the lives of thousands of lambs each year - and there no bonuses involved.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what else you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jun 3, 201127 min

27/05/2011

The Moral Maze prides itself on robust discussion, but many listeners thought this week's programme was more about bad manners than reasoned argument. Did they go too far? Or is all fair in love and debate? Could Chris Evans be the saviour of children's radio? Quite possibly, judging by the massive response to his short story competition, 500 Words. Ahead of next week's announcement of the winners, executive producer Helen Thomas reveals what it is about the Radio 2 Breakfast Show that appeals to all ages.Inspired by all this youthful talent, Feedback is searching for the radio critics of the future. If you are 13 or under do please write to us with your views on what you love - or hate - about anything at all on BBC Radio. And local radio - what is it good for? Roger talks to David Holdsworth, who's in charge of all 40 of the BBC's radio stations in England to find out why we still need it in the internet age.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

May 27, 201127 min

20/05/2011

Too many repeats, schedule changes and the loss of much of the children's programming. Fans of the former BBC Radio 7 lament its loss and challenge the station's head of programming Mary Kalemkerian over the changes she's made to the station that's now called Radio 4 Extra.Incest, murder and trench warfare - is Book at Bedtime too dour? Radio 4 commissioning editor Caroline Raphael explains how books are chosen for the late night slot and hears your pleas to let listeners know details of music featured in the programmes.And the controller of Radio 4 Gwyneth Williams reveals how she stopped The Archers being moved from Radio 4 to Radio 4 Extra. Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

May 20, 201127 min

25/03/2011

If the pips are always late on DAB radio, how will we know what the real time is when we all switch over to digital? Roger Bolton talks to Rupert Brun, the BBC's head of technology who says - actually - we won't. Some listeners question Jenni Murray's use of language during her recent stand-up routine for Comic Relief - the Woman's Hour presenter reveals why she abandoned PC in favour of street slang. Sir Michael Lyons is coming to the end of a turbulent four years as the chairman of the BBC Trust. In his last interview for Feedback he discusses whether the BBC "lost its moral compass" during the Ross/Brand affair, how executive pay was brought into line and how listeners will be consulted on the next round of BBC cuts. And MPs put their weight behind your arguments in favour of local radio. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Mar 25, 201127 min

18/03/2011

In the week that the fate of the Asian Network is being reconsidered, Roger Bolton talks to controller Andy Parfitt about the station's future. Parfitt also heads Radio 1, and three young listeners join the interview to quiz him on the network's approach to celebrity presenters and listening on digital.Is it ever possible to have too much of a good thing? Archers fans will have the opportunity to find out, following the announcement that the spin-off Ambridge Extra will be launching on the digital station Radio 4 Extra in April. Head of Programmes Mary Kalemkerian reveals all.And many of you were deeply moved by the Afternoon Play, "Black Roses: The Killing of Sophie Lancaster". Sylvia Lancaster, Sophie's mother, joins Roger to talk about why she agreed to take part in the production. She explains how Simon Armitage, whose poetry featured in the production, captured her daughter's voice perfectly.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Mar 18, 201127 min

13/03/2011

This week Lord Patten, the new chairman of the BBC Trust, faced a grilling from a parliamentary select committee. Did he impress? Roger Bolton asks Jocelyn Hay of the Voice of the Listener and Viewer and the chairman of that committee John Whittingdale MP for their assessment.Twelve-year-old schoolboy Jojo Baidoo, beat the stage school darlings to become the leading man in this week's Book at Bedtime on Radio 4. BBC Radio 7 is poised to relaunch as BBC Radio 4 Extra, offering among other things 500 archive episodes of Desert Island Discs. But many of you are still unconvinced by the sound quality and coverage offered by digital radio. Tim Davie, the BBC's head of audio and music, tells Roger why he still believes there is no downside to digital.Will the BBC Hindi Service continue on shortwave? To the dismay of many it was due to be axed at the end of this month but alternative funding may now be available. Editor Amit Baruah shares the heartfelt thanks of some of its 11 million listeners.And listeners wonder what happened to the last episode of Radio 4 comedy Mordrin McDonald? Did it disappear into the mists of time?Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Mar 13, 201127 min

04/03/2011

Roger Bolton turns up at Hardeep Singh Kohli's flat to ask some personal questions - including who gave him his first kiss?At the end of this month, millions of fans of the BBC Hindi Service will no longer be able to listen on shortwave. Roger speaks to Rifat Jawaid, editor of language programmes at the BBC Asian Network, about his Indian family's passion for the service.And many of you have trouble understanding speech when it's accompanied by background music. So why do producers persist in using it? Roger quizzes Simon Elmes the BBC's Creative Director, Features & Documentaries and others, on the subject.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Mar 4, 201127 min

25/02/2011

The candid confessional of an alcoholic doctor gripped listeners of Victoria Derbyshire's 5Live phone in last week. Lots of people praised the presenter's "sensitive handling" as listener "Rachel" talked about her long term battle with drink and depression. But what steps are taken to ensure that candid confessional is not just mass entertainment? Roger Bolton talks to Louisa Compton, daytime editor of 5Live.How many BBC journalists does it take to report a revolution? Too many, say many Feedback listeners, who believe, for example, that Jim Naughtie's presence in Cairo for the Today programme was one too many. Roger talks to Fran Unsworth, the BBC's head of newsgathering who justifies the numbers.And getting the accents right in BBC drama. At a time when the BBC Trust is encouraging Radio 4 to reach out further to listeners outside of London and the south east - should more care be taken over regional accents? We ask an expert linguist to listen to a recent afternoon play and give his verdict.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Feb 25, 201127 min

18/02/2011

Roger Bolton visits in Salford with Feedback listeners Heather Howarth and Delphine Price to explore the Media City UK development. He asks them if moving more programmes to BBC North will make them more representative of northern life and whether they actually care where their programmes come from.And down the road in Manchester, Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie are preparing to shift their popular evening banter on Radio 2 to an afternoon slot on 6 Music. Roger talks to the station's controller Bob Shennan about his decision and asks him if he's doing enough for older Radio 2 listeners.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Feb 18, 201127 min

11/02/2011

Radio 4 is being encouraged to reach beyond its largely white, better off, southern audience by the BBC Trust. But you say don't change a thing. Roger Bolton unpicks the BBC Trust's report on Radio's 3, 4 and 7. Listener Sasha Lubetkin visits the British Museum and the BBC's pronunciation unit to find out more about the BBC's role as defender of the English language. Are The Archers getting too cosy with the Palace? Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Feb 11, 201127 min

04/02/2011

Peter Horrocks, the BBC's director of global news, talks through the implications of massive cuts to the World Service. Plus your concerns about changes to music programming nationally and locally as Radio 2 moves Stuart Maconie and Mark Radcliffe across to 6 Music to make way for Jo Whiley. Are there too many American voices on Radio 4? And you suggest alternative futures for Nigel Pargetter in The Archers.Presented by Roger Bolton, this is the place to air your views on the things you hear on BBC Radio. This programme's content is entirely directed by you.So email: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Feb 4, 201127 min

28/01/2011

Roger Bolton returns with a new series. Radio 4's new controller gives her first broadcast interview to Feedback and reveals her plans for the network - new programmes, new voices and a "new layer of creativity". And as hundreds of Feedback listeners mourn the passing of Nigel Pargetter - two avid Archers listeners take a tour of the Archers studio and put your questions to the programme's editor Vanessa Whitburn. Plus news of dramatic cuts at the World Service where five language services are to close and 650 jobs will go. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Jan 28, 201127 min

03/12/2010

The BBC is the subject of its own news bulletins yet again. Roger speaks to the BBC's deputy director of news to find out how BBC radio reacts to stories about the Corporation.After a tense week in the Dontenville household, Radio 4 nut Heather and her Radio 1 loving stepdaughter Jenni reveal how they got on after a week of listening to each other's stations. The BBC Trust is looking for new members for its Regional Audience Councils - it could be you!Email the team: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Dec 3, 201027 min

26/11/2010

Aspiring comedian Richard Hanrahan desperate to break into BBC radio pitches his talents directly to the woman who can say yes.... Or ... er no thanks. Praise for 'Atching Tan' - a play about, written by and acted by travellers. All information can be found online. If you hate digital radio you'll be dreading 2015 - Tim Davie, the BBC's head of radio, tries to reassure you. And a Radio 4 fan and her Radio 1 loving step-daughter swap stations for a week. Email the team: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Nov 26, 201027 min

19/11/2010

Roger Bolton asks Archers actor Ryan Kelly, who plays Jazzer McCreary in The Archers, if his character is a stereotype of a drunken Scottish ne'er do well. Check out the new Archers website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/the-archers/A listener takes your gripes about the iPlayer revamp to the top - and demands straight answers.And reporting from Rangoon last weekend - why were some reporters named while others remained anonymous. Jon Williams, the BBC's head of World News has the answer.Email the team: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Nov 19, 201027 min

12/11/2010

Presented by Roger Bolton.This week, Justin Webb explains why he wants to toughen up his act. But listeners say please don't as they rather enjoyed it when The Today programme was taken off the air by the recent national Union of Journalists' strike. It was replaced by gentler programmes including an audio essay about The Wash.The novelist Joanna Trollope makes a plea for more adventurous drama on BBC Radio.And should the BBC make people in the rest of the world pay for listening to its domestic services? Roger Bolton finds out if it's even possible.Email the team: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Nov 12, 201027 min

05/11/2010

Radio 4's forum for comments, queries, criticisms and congratulations.Presented by Roger Bolton, this is the place for listeners to air their views on the things heard on BBC Radio. Email the team: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Nov 5, 201027 min

29/10/2010

Roger Bolton asks whether this was the best week for the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to wash up on Kirsty Young's Desert Island Discs.As Peggy learns to cut and paste on The Archers, Roger examines the BBC's role in Government backed education campaigns. And after Richard Herring's endorsement - listeners are desperate to know how to get hold of this season's must have Radio 4 hoodie.Email the team: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Oct 29, 201027 min

22/10/2010

Roger Bolton challenges the Chairman of the BBC Trust over the new licence fee deal.How well will new editorial guidelines safeguard the impartiality of radio reporting? A History of the World in 100 objects - it's all over but was it worth it?Do Desert Island Discs castaways have to take a religious book with them? And cuts overkill - how a trail for Radio 4 coverage invaded the airways at the wrong time.Email the team: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Oct 22, 201027 min

15/10/2010

Roger Bolton investigates why hundreds of you are up-in-arms over changes to the BBC radio message boards.As the Commonwealth Games athletes head home armed with medals some Feedback listeners wonder if the BBC's coverage has been too negative.The World Service is rumoured to be facing a 25% cut in its budget - but should we be funding a global network?As the world is gripped by the Chilean miners' rescue, some listeners ask - were there too many BBC reporters there?And as You and Yours celebrates its 40th birthday, we ask what makes a successful long-running radio programme and find out which ones you think are past their sell-by date.Email us at: [email protected] those of you interested in getting hold of Bryn Howarth's album "Inside Out" - as mentioned in last week's programme, it is available via the "Music in Ministry Trust" pages of his website.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Oct 15, 201027 min

08/10/2010

Roger Bolton hears what your ideas for what you would do if you were the new controller of Radio 4. He assesses how wrangles between the BBC and its staff over pensions will affect programme budgets. And comedy writer Jon Holmes treads the fine line between brilliant comedy and bad taste in response to your praise and criticism of his show "Listen Against". Email: [email protected]: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Oct 8, 201027 min