[AuralJunkie]

It was interesting on Newsnight that nobody was catagorically denying the possibility that the BBC would scrap/or be forced to scrap it's additional digital radio stations, all for a miniscule saving!

These extra stations are providing an extra range of programs and choice on DAB and other digital platforms not on offer from the commercial sector. Even if they were taken off air it would not increase the likelihood of commercial radio filling the gaps with quality output. We really need to speak out for 1Xtra, 6 Music, Sports Extra, BBC7 & The Asian Network before the scrapping of these services becomes inevitable. The Tories are getting twitchy about some of their recent pronouncements, let's make sure that they and Labour, or the BBC itself, don't sacrifice these services in an attempt to appear tough on costs. I'd rather the BBC let a few "top stars" go than reduce choice. As is the case with Chris Moyles, they can always allow talent to develop from within. CM was a minor player when they took him on to cover early breakfast, and now he's a big hitter. There are plenty of other examples.

[Murray Mint]

Perhaps if Radio 2, for example, stopped hiring celebrities and hired professional radio presenters instead, then surely that will help save cost?

How much has it recently cost the BBC to hire Cilla Black, Ronan Keating, Bill Kenwright, John Barrowman and Graham Norton as stand-ins on Radio 2?

I bet none of them came cheap!

[2Bdecided]

I'd bet BBC Radio 7 is popular with some Tory voters - it has a small but useful reach - they don't really need to alienate almost a million Dad's Army, Hancock, Goon, and modern comedy fans do they?

The Asian Network pre-dates DAB.

6Music and 1Xtra? I'm sure they'd follow R1 and R2 out of the door into the commercial world if some Tories had their way. It's on their "pop" output that the BBC should be most afraid. I don't think they'll scrap them - but (assuming they don't have more important things to do) I suspect they'll "meddle".

Cheers,
David.

[Inkblot]

Originally Posted by 2Bdecided

I'd bet BBC Radio 7 is popular with some Tory voters...

Do voters, Tory or otherwise, think about their party's policy on digital radio when they put their cross on the ballot paper? Or on any other aspect of broadcasting? It was a Tory government that let Sky grab the rights to many important sports events, some of which (Test cricket for example) would have been favourites of Tory middle-Englanders. One way or another, we all voted for the mess that radio's currently in - we just didn't know it at the time.

[Westward]

Originally Posted by Inkblot

It was a Tory government that let Sky grab the rights to many important sports events, some of which (Test cricket for example) would have been favourites of Tory middle-Englanders.

It was a Labour culture secretary (Tessa Jowell) that took home test cricket matches off the A list in 1998 at the request of the ECB.

From this article it looks like very little will change under the Tories. They have no plans to scrap BBC3 or BBC4, and it follows that this also applies to the radio stations. Whether this is a U-turn or not depends on your point of view.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...bc-licence-fee

[Harris Tweed]

Originally Posted by Westward

From this article it looks like very little will change under the Tories. They have no plans to scrap BBC3 or BBC4, and it follows that this also applies to the radio stations.

The Tories will make very clear they don't meddle with decisions which are rightly left to the independent management of the BBC.

And then they'll set the next licence fee (and other stuff which keeps Mr Murdoch happy). Hence Mark Thompson's current review of which bits of the Beeb are sacred and which aren't.

My neighbours and I have no plans to close the village shop. But if we all bugger off to Tesco..

[hanssolo]

I think the BBC trust have to review BBC services to ensure they are meeting a need and are best use of money.
If a new Government cuts back licence fees then they will have to make more cutbacks.
Many of the services like BBC radio 7 are cheap to run and have been gaining listeners year on year!

I don't see changes to specialist services to the Asian network, 5 extra, 1xtra or BBC radio 7, but Children's services may be taken off and become "on demand" on the web, rather than be given their own DAB outlet, as reported in Broadcast magazine! (still cached on google if you don't have a subscription) http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/r...008063.article

Radio 7’s service licence commits it to keep airing children’s content, but BBC insiders expect both the requirement and the children’s content to be dropped when the licence comes up for renewal by the BBC Trust next year.

I see there is a review being carried out on R2 and 6 music to be completed in 2010, which might even mean closing 6 music if needed
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consul...usic%20TOR.pdf

Scope of the review
The review will assess the performance of the services using criteria set out in the Service Licences and consider future strategy. We intend to answer the following questions:
Question 1– How well are Radio 2 and 6 Music performing on radio, on digital and on-line?
a. To what extent are licence fee payers aware of and using the services?
b. To what extent are the services producing good quality content?
c. Are the services making an effective contribution to the BBC’s public purposes?
d. Are the services good value for money?
e. Are the services sufficiently distinctive from other BBC services and commercial operators?
f. Are some demographic groups better served than others by the services?
g. Are Radio 2 and 6 Music meeting other commitments set out in their Service Licences including Service Licence conditions?
h. Are the means by which Radio 2 and 6 Music monitor performance robust and reliable?
Question 2 – Are the BBC’s plans for Radio 2 and 6 Music robust and deliverable?
a. Are objectives clear and well communicated?
b. Are the plans based on a robust assessment of audience needs as well as technological and economic developments in the wider market?
c. Are the plans aligned with other BBC objectives including the BBC’s wider digital strategy?
d. Are there sufficient resources (finance, staff and decision-making processes) to deliver the plans?
Question 3 – Should the Service Licences be changed to drive performance or influence future plans?

[882657]

Dab is total white elephant. Dump the lot of it. Spend the money on improving and reworking the FM system so more stations can put on there.

[television2004]

Originally Posted by AuralJunkie

It was interesting on Newsnight that nobody was catagorically denying the possibility that the BBC would scrap/or be forced to scrap it's additional digital radio stations, all for a miniscule saving!

These extra stations are providing an extra range of programs and choice on DAB and other digital platforms not on offer from the commercial sector. Even if they were taken off air it would not increase the likelihood of commercial radio filling the gaps with quality output. We really need to speak out for 1Xtra, 6 Music, Sports Extra, BBC7 & The Asian Network before the scrapping of these services becomes inevitable. The Tories are getting twitchy about some of their recent pronouncements, let's make sure that they and Labour, or the BBC itself, don't sacrifice these services in an attempt to appear tough on costs. I'd rather the BBC let a few "top stars" go than reduce choice. As is the case with Chris Moyles, they can always allow talent to develop from within. CM was a minor player when they took him on to cover early breakfast, and now he's a big hitter. There are plenty of other examples.

Yes getting rid of Jonathan Woss would probably pay for BBC Radio 7

[Westward]

Originally Posted by 882657

Dab is total white elephant. Dump the lot of it. Spend the money on improving and reworking the FM system so more stations can put on there.

It isn't quite as simple as that.

Even if the UK reorganised the FM band to fit in more national stations it would take years to negotiate suitable high-power frequencies with neighbouring countries, particularly France & Ireland.

At most only 2 more national stations could be accommodated on the FM band after a reshuffle, so a lot of content available on DAB would be lost.

[DJPT]

Originally Posted by Murray Mint

How much has it recently cost the BBC to hire Cilla Black, Ronan Keating, Bill Kenwright, John Barrowman and Graham Norton as stand-ins on Radio 2?

I bet none of them came cheap!

None of them are good presenters either!

[hanssolo]

The term "Massacre" might have been too much!

Originally Posted by AuralJunkie

It was interesting on Newsnight that nobody was catagorically denying the possibility that the BBC would scrap/or be forced to scrap it's additional digital radio stations, all for a miniscule saving!

These extra stations are providing an extra range of programs and choice on DAB and other digital platforms not on offer from the commercial sector. Even if they were taken off air it would not increase the likelihood of commercial radio filling the gaps with quality output. We really need to speak out for 1Xtra, 6 Music, Sports Extra, BBC7 & The Asian Network before the scrapping of these services becomes inevitable.

The Newsnight item was a follow up to the speech at the Voice of the Listener and Viewer conference about what might happen after 2012!. However like I said earlier they do face a problem what to do with Children's radio which may be taken off national DAB, Sky and Freeview in 2010 and become online only.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8381398.stm

The public can expect a "smaller BBC" after the analogue TV signal is switched off in 2012, director general Mark Thompson has said.
Speaking at a Voice of the Listener and Viewer conference in London, Mr Thompson was outlining plans for the BBC's strategic review next year.
He said there would be "reductions in some kinds of programmes and content", including web services.
However, he promised more money would be spent on original British content.

'Clear strategy'
"Expect to see a further shift of emphasis in favour of key priority areas: The best journalism in the world, high quality programmes and services for children, content of every kind that builds knowledge and shares music and culture and a long-range commitment to outstanding British drama and comedy," Mr Thompson said.

When asked about the future of the BBC's digital radio and television services, Mr Thompson said it would be "slightly counter-intuitive" to close BBC Three and Four while encouraging people to go digital.
But he suggested that services could be "reduced" in a "post-switchover world when people can use services like iPlayer to get content in other ways."

[Pizzatheaction]

Originally Posted by Westward

It was a Labour culture secretary (Tessa Jowell) that took home test cricket matches off the A list in 1998 at the request of the ECB.

Wasn't it Chris Smith?