BBC London total collapse - Radio

PatMallen · 29-10-2009, 15:42

Well done BBC London. Another triumph for the Hello magazine of BBC local radio. Last quarter 559 this quarter 405. That's a drop of almost a third.

How much money has David Ropey been given to promote his station and how bad has it got? Its not even listened to by people for car crash value now. A massive loss, a load of talk on air about a new studio, the same old second rate rubbish and a third of listeners have tuned out.

If it was commercial radio he would be gone. At the BBC they will try to come up with an excuse. They are your worst figures for almost four years. You have gone backwards. We pay for you. It is rubbish. You have mocked the memory of GLR.

You are a failure. Do the decent thing and go.

Murray Mint · 29-10-2009, 15:46

Bring back GLR!

MSB · 29-10-2009, 15:55

How much of this is related to LBC's record audience? Over the million mark now?

I also suspect that many people still habitually think "94.9, it's still GLR" and deliberately tune away. Either way the adverts on TV for BBC London aren't making their raison d'etre clear enough: What is BBC London? Are they speech? Are they sport?

Murray Mint · 29-10-2009, 16:01

The only presenters I like on BBC London are Danny Baker and Vanessa Feltz.

BBC London was wrong to axe Norman Jay.

Murray Mint · 29-10-2009, 16:09

BBC London needs to bring back the old GLR format - which worked. In the good old days we had Chris Evans, Mark Lamarr, Danny Baker, Bob Harris, Johnnie Walker, Bob Mills, Janice Long and Liz Kershaw.

Firstly, Danny Baker should be moved back to the breakfast show where he seems more at home. I also think some familiar names should be introduced, such as Chris Tarrant, Liz Kershaw, Mark Goodier, Lynn Parsons etc.

The current schedule is absolutely dire. No wonder listening figure have fallen. Again.

munchpot · 29-10-2009, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSB

How much of this is related to LBC's record audience? Over the million mark now?

I also suspect that many people still habitually think "94.9, it's still GLR" and deliberately tune away. Either way the adverts on TV for BBC London aren't making their raison d'etre clear enough: What is BBC London? Are they speech? Are they sport?

I think you are right and (whilst declaring I'm an LBC fan) I think that may have something to do with the BBC Mentality of not expressing views on awkward subjects. Perhaps people feel they can air their views on LBC without being subject to BBC editorial policy getting in the way

Martin Phillp · 29-10-2009, 16:35

As much as Baker's breakfast was certainly a unique product, it didn't tick the PSB boxes. Then again the fluffy Ross and Good one isn't exactly great either. LBC have the finger on the pulse with their breakfast show which is hard hitting. I'm sure an MP would rather go on the BBC London show than LBC where Nick Ferrari will give them a stern challenging interview.

I mentioned in the other BBC London thread that removing specialist shows, adding more blooming sport and even more talk on Saturday evening isn't doing them any favours.

Mr Robey should do what LBC has and get the personalities on the peak shows, so move Vanessa Feltz to breakfast, extend Eddie Nestor to a 3 hour drive show starting at 4 as LBC already start drive then when BBC London still have Danny on. Move Paul Ross on between 9-11. Robert 11-2 then Danny 2-4. JoAnne Good should present Saturday breakfast as now with Simon Lederman and replace Lesley Joseph on Sundays.

simwyn · 29-10-2009, 16:36

Yesterday I had the displeasure of listening just at the point Robert Elms was doing a two-way with the traffic presenter. They kept on crashing each others links and for a few minutes it sounded like very bad hospital radio.

I hadn't listened before and it will be a while before I do again. Shouldn't the capital's flagship BBC station by as professional as their network stations? And be presented by some of the capital's best talk presenters?

Murray Mint · 29-10-2009, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Phillp

As much as Baker's breakfast was certainly a unique product, it didn't tick the PSB boxes. Then again the fluffy Ross and Good one isn't exactly great either. LBC have the finger on the pulse with their breakfast show which is hard hitting. I'm sure an MP would rather go on the BBC London show than LBC where Nick Ferrari will give them a stern challenging interview.

I mentioned in the other BBC London thread that removing specialist shows, adding more blooming sport and even more talk on Saturday evening isn't doing them any favours.

Mr Robey should do what LBC has and get the personalities on the peak shows, so move Vanessa Feltz to breakfast, extend Eddie Nestor to a 3 hour drive show starting at 4 as LBC already start drive then when BBC London still have Danny on. Move Paul Ross on between 9-11. Robert 11-2 then Danny 2-4. JoAnne Good should present Saturday breakfast as now with Simon Lederman and replace Lesley Joseph on Sundays.

At the risk of being attacked by the usual mob on here for posting a "fantasy schedule", I would introduce something like this:

6.00am Danny Baker
9.00 Chris Tarrant
12.00 Vanessa Feltz (music and views at lunchtime)
2.00pm Bob Mills & Jo Brand
5.00 Drivetime with Richard Bacon
8.00 Evening programmes (sport, etc)
10.00 Tommy Boyd (late-night phone-ins and madness)
1.00 - 6.00am JoAnne Goode

Martin Phillp · 29-10-2009, 17:12

I see you're not a fan of Robert Elms. His show is PSB at it's finest and a nice alternative from the news driven agenda on LBC.

However I'd love Bob Mills to return. BBC London have some good talent there, Big George is great in his own way, Eddie Nestor if he wasn't up against Whale would probably have more listeners.

Peter the Great · 29-10-2009, 17:25

Also what has happenned to Gary Crowley's show? This used to be place to hear interesting new music. Now all i seem to hear on his show is obvious old tracks from the 80's. I can't see this was Crowley's decision.

Murray Mint · 29-10-2009, 17:34

I forgot to include Robert Elms. I suppose he could be moved to an evening slot (10.00pm - 1.00am Monday to Thursday).

Miles Platting · 29-10-2009, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murray Mint

6.00am Danny Baker
9.00 Chris Tarrant
12.00 Vanessa Feltz (music and views at lunchtime)
2.00pm Bob Mills & Jo Brand
5.00 Drivetime with Richard Bacon
8.00 Evening programmes (sport, etc)
10.00 Tommy Boyd (late-night phone-ins and madness)
1.00 - 6.00am JoAnne Goode

Quick reality check - Richard's just got afternoons on 5 Live and there's no way they could afford Tarrant.

Martin Phillp · 29-10-2009, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter the Great

Also what has happenned to Gary Crowley's show? This used to be place to hear interesting new music. Now all i seem to hear on his show is obvious old tracks from the 80's. I can't see this was Crowley's decision.

His new music show is on Saturdays from 6-8pm, the other show you mention is 'Soundtrack to your Life' which on between 12-2pm the same day. Sport is the filling in a Crowley sandwich!

BrainofMorbius · 29-10-2009, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatMallen

Well done BBC London. Another triumph for the Hello magazine of BBC local radio. Last quarter 559 this quarter 405. That's a drop of almost a third.

How much money has David Ropey been given to promote his station and how bad has it got? Its not even listened to by people for car crash value now. A massive loss, a load of talk on air about a new studio, the same old second rate rubbish and a third of listeners have tuned out.

If it was commercial radio he would be gone. At the BBC they will try to come up with an excuse. They are your worst figures for almost four years. You have gone backwards. We pay for you. It is rubbish. You have mocked the memory of GLR.

You are a failure. Do the decent thing and go.

Same goes for Mark Norman @ 3CR.

Obadia · 29-10-2009, 20:33

I noticed there was no mention of the figures when I was listening today. I didn't listen during the GLR days so can't comment, but I like the breakfast show. If I want hard news I retune to R4. Vanessa is essential, if frustrating, listening. Eddie Nestor needs to up his game, James Whale at LBC is often discussing issues that Eddie tackles several days later or ignores all together. I am fed up with George Webbly, so revert to Clive Bull on LBC or R4/BBCWS at night.

I think re-reading my post that for me there needs to be new blood, there are some complacent and smug presenters feeling secure on the station.

Victorian · 29-10-2009, 20:56

I'm surprised the listening figures have gone down- they always seem to have loads of people calling in and the station has a good buzz to it.

Comparing it to LBC is bonkers- it's just one artificially angry presenter after another. Fine for Sun readers but not for those that want something a little more thought provoking.
BBC London is for the more discerning listener, & I'm all for that.

As for bringing back GLR- yawn.

I do think that the breakfast show lacks direction, but the rest of the schedule during the day is pretty good.

I'd certainly swap it for any other BBC local I've ever heard any day.

Martin Phillp · 29-10-2009, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obadia

I think re-reading my post that for me there needs to be new blood, there are some complacent and smug presenters feeling secure on the station.

Out of the current line-up only Robert Elms has been there constantly since the GLR era with an largely untouched format.

Since the relaunch of GLR as BBC London Live, then BBC London 94.9, there have been various changes to presenters and the format.

Maybe the future for the station is to cater to an under served market in London which is the over 50s, taking it down the traditional BBC local format heard on sister stations bordering the capital, but keeping specialist shows such as Jazzie B and DJ Ritu's world music show alongside the usual type of music shows and chat.

mugs · 29-10-2009, 21:05

Must admit i'm not entirely convinced by the audience figures as i'm not sure some people distinguish between it and LBC at times.Also i know not strictly relevant but i use it as an example of strange figures- why should Radio Scotland suddenly lose over 100.000 listeners in three months with hardly a change in schedule.I therefore take the results with a certain amount of scepticism.

Shadowlands · 29-10-2009, 21:06

The breakfast show is atrocious, but this is mainly down to Paul Ross. I'd forgotten he'd probably be off this week doing the terrible Most Haunted show and only tuned in this morning. They also need to ditch the majority of the weekends programmes and most importantly bring back the weekly movie review show.

Obadia · 29-10-2009, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Phillp

Out of the current line-up only Robert Elms has been there constantly since the GLR era with an largely untouched format.

Since the relaunch of GLR as BBC London Live, then BBC London 94.9, there have been various changes to presenters and the format.

Maybe the future for the station is to serve an under served market in London which is the over 50s, taking it down the traditional BBC local format, but keeping specialist shows such as Jazzie B and DJ Ritu's world music show alongside the usual type of music shows and chat.

I didn't listen during GLR days so can't comment. To me there have been minor changes moving BG from overnights to 10-1pm, different male presenters at breakfast and so on. As I prefer talk radio maybe I have missed major changes in the music format. I am not sure what the "over
50s" market entails, but sometimes change is good.

Toxteth O'Grady · 29-10-2009, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victorian

I'm surprised the listening figures have gone down- they always seem to have loads of people calling in and the station has a good buzz to it. .

It is the audience survey for the summer so there's less live football, that could have something to do with it.

Audience figures for many stations do dip over the summer, does the OP have year on year figures to compare?

sparkie70 · 30-10-2009, 00:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victorian

I'm surprised the listening figures have gone down- they always seem to have loads of people calling in and the station has a good buzz to it.

Comparing it to LBC is bonkers- it's just one artificially angry presenter after another. Fine for Sun readers but not for those that want something a little more thought provoking.
BBC London is for the more discerning listener, & I'm all for that.

As for bringing back GLR- yawn.

I do think that the breakfast show lacks direction, but the rest of the schedule during the day is pretty good.

I'd certainly swap it for any other BBC local I've ever heard any day.

Other BBC local stations are not up against an LBC which is a strong brand name with many loyal listeners so BBC London has to be differant. BBC London will not have a cult following like GLR but did not have the varity like BBC London.

Woddy · 30-10-2009, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toxteth O'Grady

It is the audience survey for the summer so there's less live football, that could have something to do with it.

Audience figures for many stations do dip over the summer, does the OP have year on year figures to compare?

You could be right, i generally listen to BBC London during the football season. The exception being that i do listen to drive time every weekday.

trendar · 30-10-2009, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by mugs

Must admit i'm not entirely convinced by the audience figures as i'm not sure some people distinguish between it and LBC at times.Also i know not strictly relevant but i use it as an example of strange figures- why should Radio Scotland suddenly lose over 100.000 listeners in three months with hardly a change in schedule.I therefore take the results with a certain amount of scepticism.

Not sure. I got a RAJAR diary this last quarter and it really is more or less idiot-proof these days. The interviewer goes through things with you before leaving the diary and does ensure you know the difference between the stations.
I hardly know anyone in London that listens regularly to the BBC station anymore. They really have made a mess of things.

29-10-2009, 15:42	#1
PatMallen Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 9	BBC London total collapse Well done BBC London. Another triumph for the Hello magazine of BBC local radio. Last quarter 559 this quarter 405. That's a drop of almost a third. How much money has David Ropey been given to promote his station and how bad has it got? Its not even listened to by people for car crash value now. A massive loss, a load of talk on air about a new studio, the same old second rate rubbish and a third of listeners have tuned out. If it was commercial radio he would be gone. At the BBC they will try to come up with an excuse. They are your worst figures for almost four years. You have gone backwards. We pay for you. It is rubbish. You have mocked the memory of GLR. You are a failure. Do the decent thing and go.

29-10-2009, 15:46	#2
Murray Mint Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Gender: Male Location: Thames Estuary Services: Sky+, BT Broadband (Home Hub) Posts: 2,230	Bring back GLR!

29-10-2009, 15:55	#3
MSB Forum Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Neasden, London Services: Freeview \| Digital Radio DR Posts: 555	How much of this is related to LBC's record audience? Over the million mark now? I also suspect that many people still habitually think "94.9, it's still GLR" and deliberately tune away. Either way the adverts on TV for BBC London aren't making their raison d'etre clear enough: What is BBC London? Are they speech? Are they sport?

29-10-2009, 16:01	#4
Murray Mint Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Gender: Male Location: Thames Estuary Services: Sky+, BT Broadband (Home Hub) Posts: 2,230	The only presenters I like on BBC London are Danny Baker and Vanessa Feltz. BBC London was wrong to axe Norman Jay.

29-10-2009, 16:09	#5
Murray Mint Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Gender: Male Location: Thames Estuary Services: Sky+, BT Broadband (Home Hub) Posts: 2,230	BBC London needs to bring back the old GLR format - which worked. In the good old days we had Chris Evans, Mark Lamarr, Danny Baker, Bob Harris, Johnnie Walker, Bob Mills, Janice Long and Liz Kershaw. Firstly, Danny Baker should be moved back to the breakfast show where he seems more at home. I also think some familiar names should be introduced, such as Chris Tarrant, Liz Kershaw, Mark Goodier, Lynn Parsons etc. The current schedule is absolutely dire. No wonder listening figure have fallen. Again.

29-10-2009, 16:35	#7
Martin Phillp Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Services: Freeview (Sharp TU-R160H) and DAB Posts: 10,943	As much as Baker's breakfast was certainly a unique product, it didn't tick the PSB boxes. Then again the fluffy Ross and Good one isn't exactly great either. LBC have the finger on the pulse with their breakfast show which is hard hitting. I'm sure an MP would rather go on the BBC London show than LBC where Nick Ferrari will give them a stern challenging interview. I mentioned in the other BBC London thread that removing specialist shows, adding more blooming sport and even more talk on Saturday evening isn't doing them any favours. Mr Robey should do what LBC has and get the personalities on the peak shows, so move Vanessa Feltz to breakfast, extend Eddie Nestor to a 3 hour drive show starting at 4 as LBC already start drive then when BBC London still have Danny on. Move Paul Ross on between 9-11. Robert 11-2 then Danny 2-4. JoAnne Good should present Saturday breakfast as now with Simon Lederman and replace Lesley Joseph on Sundays.

29-10-2009, 16:36	#8
simwyn Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 78	Yesterday I had the displeasure of listening just at the point Robert Elms was doing a two-way with the traffic presenter. They kept on crashing each others links and for a few minutes it sounded like very bad hospital radio. I hadn't listened before and it will be a while before I do again. Shouldn't the capital's flagship BBC station by as professional as their network stations? And be presented by some of the capital's best talk presenters?

29-10-2009, 17:12	#10
Martin Phillp Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Services: Freeview (Sharp TU-R160H) and DAB Posts: 10,943	I see you're not a fan of Robert Elms. His show is PSB at it's finest and a nice alternative from the news driven agenda on LBC. However I'd love Bob Mills to return. BBC London have some good talent there, Big George is great in his own way, Eddie Nestor if he wasn't up against Whale would probably have more listeners.

29-10-2009, 17:25	#11
Peter the Great Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 652	Also what has happenned to Gary Crowley's show? This used to be place to hear interesting new music. Now all i seem to hear on his show is obvious old tracks from the 80's. I can't see this was Crowley's decision.

29-10-2009, 17:34	#12
Murray Mint Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Gender: Male Location: Thames Estuary Services: Sky+, BT Broadband (Home Hub) Posts: 2,230	I forgot to include Robert Elms. I suppose he could be moved to an evening slot (10.00pm - 1.00am Monday to Thursday).

29-10-2009, 20:33	#16
Obadia Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 250	I noticed there was no mention of the figures when I was listening today. I didn't listen during the GLR days so can't comment, but I like the breakfast show. If I want hard news I retune to R4. Vanessa is essential, if frustrating, listening. Eddie Nestor needs to up his game, James Whale at LBC is often discussing issues that Eddie tackles several days later or ignores all together. I am fed up with George Webbly, so revert to Clive Bull on LBC or R4/BBCWS at night. I think re-reading my post that for me there needs to be new blood, there are some complacent and smug presenters feeling secure on the station.

29-10-2009, 20:56	#17
Victorian Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New Forest, Hampshire Posts: 125	I'm surprised the listening figures have gone down- they always seem to have loads of people calling in and the station has a good buzz to it. Comparing it to LBC is bonkers- it's just one artificially angry presenter after another. Fine for Sun readers but not for those that want something a little more thought provoking. BBC London is for the more discerning listener, & I'm all for that. As for bringing back GLR- yawn. I do think that the breakfast show lacks direction, but the rest of the schedule during the day is pretty good. I'd certainly swap it for any other BBC local I've ever heard any day.

29-10-2009, 21:05	#19
mugs Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,142	Must admit i'm not entirely convinced by the audience figures as i'm not sure some people distinguish between it and LBC at times.Also i know not strictly relevant but i use it as an example of strange figures- why should Radio Scotland suddenly lose over 100.000 listeners in three months with hardly a change in schedule.I therefore take the results with a certain amount of scepticism.

29-10-2009, 21:06	#20
Shadowlands Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The England Services: Sky, old school 4:3 Sony TV! Posts: 725	The breakfast show is atrocious, but this is mainly down to Paul Ross. I'd forgotten he'd probably be off this week doing the terrible Most Haunted show and only tuned in this morning. They also need to ditch the majority of the weekends programmes and most importantly bring back the weekly movie review show.