Feedback
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Feedback: Controller of R4: 26 Apr 13
The Controller of Radio 4, Gwyneth Williams, answers listeners' questions. There's a round-up of concerns about language standards on Radio 4, and thoughts about an interview with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne by John Humphrys.
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Feedback: Health scares: 19 Apr 13
Is the BBC right to say that suggestions of a link between MMR jabs and autism have been "totally discredited"? Plus local radio listeners upset by their treasured evening shows being replaced by an All England Show go head-to-head with David Holdsworth, the BBC's Controller of English Regions. And we go behind the scenes with a Radio 4 "quizzer".
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Feedback: Margaret Thatcher: 12 Apr 13
Over the top eulogising or overly critical? Listeners are divided over the BBC's coverage of the death of Margaret Thatcher. We talk to the Head of the BBC Newsroom, Mary Hockaday, about the coverage. And, do you need to know what's on BBC One when you're listening to Radio 4? We put your frustrations about the latest high-profile cross-TV and radio campaigns to the Director of Marketing and Audiences for BBC Radio, Neil Caldicott.
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Feedback: Is Radio 4 an ageless beauty? 5 Apr 13
Could and should Radio 4 appeal to a younger audience? And Radio 4's star-studded fantasy drama Neverwhere does a disappearing act from iPlayer. Plus we talk to Radio 3's head of Speech Matthew Dodd and hear your suggestions for how to keep concert intervals interesting. And we've your views on the first interview with the new BBC Director General, Tony Hall.
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Feedback: Archers editor leaving: 29 Mar 2013
Vanessa Whitburn the longest-serving editor of The Archers is leaving after 22 years. She tells Roger about bullying from listeners, hints at plans for the Ambridge murder that never was and confesses that she often keeps quiet about her job for fear of being hijacked at social events. Also this week, Radio 4 listeners have been treated to a series of five "playful and surprising audio interventions" - three-minute creations by contemporary artists. More like "baffling" and "bizarre" say...
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Feedback: How good is BBC science reporting? 22 Mar 13
Do BBC reporters know their Higgs boson from their Bunsen burner? Also in the programme: was a Radio 1 Newsbeat report on false rape allegations misleading? A new drama uses children's voices to shed light on old age existence. And Radio 2 presenter Stuart Maconie takes us inside the People's Songs.
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Feedback: 15 Mar 13: When is censoring music appropriate?
Why was a classic Elvis Costello track censored? Is broadcasting the star-studded drama Neverwhere on Radio 4 Extra short changing analogue listeners? And how should the Today programme cover mental health issues?
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Feedback: Is R4 comedy too left-wing? 8 Mar 13
Where are Radio 4's right wing comics? And how accurate are radio dramas? Plus, you celebrate the moments when broadcasters show their emotions. And what's it like to report for the Today programme for the first time?
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Feedback: Language warnings: 1 Mar 13
Should you be warned before strong language is broadcast? How easy is it to win over the Radio 4 audience with new comedy? And could you make it onto Brain of Britain?
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Feedback: 22 Feb 13: Horsemeat coverage
Scaremongering or top notch investigative journalism? We hear your views on the BBC's horsemeat coverage. Also this week: Can you make jokes about Jimmy Savile on the BBC? And how do you (temporarily) replace Humphrys and co. when industrial action takes the usual news programme off-air?
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Feedback: 15 Feb 13: Closing the Archers message board
Why is the Archers message board to close? And why was The World at One not at 1 o'clock? Also this week, we join Just a Minute fan Pete Cross who, on his seventh attempt, obtained tickets to be in the audience. Plus, how should the BBC report the horsemeat scandal? And the recent Radio 4 dramas and comedies that have thrown out the rule book - tragic or epic?
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Feedback: 8 Feb 13: Is Radio 4 barmy for McCartney?
Did Sir Paul McCartney and family advertise their products on Radio 4? And can you curate music? Whispering Bob says yes. Plus is iPlayer Radio out of tune with its users? We put your issues about iPlayer, listening online, podcasts and all things on demand to the man in charge - Daniel Danker.
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Feedback: 1 Feb 13: R2's controller takes questions
The Radio 2 Controller meets your criticisms head on. We talk quotas for women journalists with the head of the BBC Newsroom. And Plugwatch returns.
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Feedback: 25 Jan 13: CarFest ticket troubles
Too fast - and you're furious. We hear from listeners who scrambled to buy tickets to CarFest - the festival brainchild of Radio 2's Chris Evans - only to have their efforts thwarted by a technical hitch. Also female experts - should BBC radio be redressing the balance? Plus, we correct a Feedback 'oops'. And who would you appoint as Radio 4's Writer-in-Residence?
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Feedback: 18 Jan 13: More women, fewer book plugs
BBC Belfast gets a visit from Roger to look at the coverage of recent violence. Surprising statistics on gender imbalance. And a listener challenges a BBC Director on book plugging. Plus suicide and responsibility.
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Feedback: 11 Jan 13: Reporting climate change
We hear what you make of the exodus of well-known voices from BBC Radio. Roger Bolton tackles the complexities of reporting on climate change. And, can local radio save your life?
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Feedback: 16 Nov 12: BBC coverage of its own crisis
Is the BBC too interested in its own problems? We hear your views on the week's coverage. Also, Feedback goes to the Radio Festival in Salford to participate in a session about the relationship between programme makers and their audience. And was Radio 4's comedy The Golden Age satirical or offensive?
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Feedback: 9 Nov 12: Digital radio in the car
Digital radio on the move: is it worth converting the car? BBC East's The Naked Scientists get the chop. And listeners restore missing gems to the BBC's archive.
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Feedback: 2 Nov 12: tickets for recordings
Too few females on the Today programme? Ruairi disappears from the Archers. And Producer Jon Naismith talks about why I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue is an exception to the BBC policy of not charging for tickets to programme recordings.
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Feedback: 26 Oct 12: radio about prisons
How do you make a programme in a prison? Plus your views on the BBC's Savile coverage.
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Feedback: 19 Oct 12: Political code-breaking
Chief political correspondent Ben Wright takes us behind the scenes at BBC Westminster and answers your questions about the dark art of political reporting. Plus too much cricket on long wave?
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Feedback: 12 Oct 12: The new Radio iPlayer
A Presenter says sorry. Plus what listeners can expect from the new Radio iPlayer.
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Feedback: 5 Oct 12: Political interviews
Just how combative should a political interview be? We get a response from the Today programme and also get some insight into the art of the political interview from Radio 4's Week in Westminster presenter, Steve Richards. And was it worth flying to New York for an interview? The BBC's disability's affairs correspondent Peter White, presenter of No Triumph, No Tragedy, explains.
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Feedback: 28 Sep 12: The BBC and the Queen
Your views on the BBC and the Queen. And did music enhance The History of the Future?
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Feedback: 21 Sep 12: New DG
Was a topless Duchess of Cambridge really news? And your wishlist for the new DG.
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Feedback: 14 Sep 12: 5Live's Olympic legacy
What's the Olympic legacy for BBC 5Live? Listeners to Radio 1 want to know how different mornings will be with new presenter Nick Grimshaw at the mic. Plus the future of Radio 4's Thought for The Day.
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Feedback: 7 Sep 12: Radio 2's playlist
It's gloves off at the Radio 2 playlist meeting and just how should you say 2012? And listeners respond to Radio 4's Chain Reaction.
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Feedback: 31 Aug 12: Woman's Hour and Men's Hour
Love at first sight for Woman's Hour and Men's Hour? Plus the Feedback jingle!
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Feedback: 24 Aug 12: The BBC's Olympics.
Mistakes in the New Elizabethans series? Plus your verdict on the BBC's Olympics.
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Feedback: 6 Jul 12: Too much drama in Ambridge?
Are sensational storylines ruining The Archers? The Controller of Radio 5 Live warms up for the Olympics. Finally, what is it with the Today programme presenters and telling the time?
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Feedback: 29 Jun 12: The new BBC Radio websites
Radio 4's Honest Doubt series - what did you think? Plus the new BBC Radio websites and a follow up on Drop Out Watch.
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Feedback: 22 Jun 12: Bloomsday - a triumph?
Radio 4's Bloomsday: triumph, or blooming inconvenience? Plus the launch of Drop Out Watch, and what next for Chris Moyles? Radio 4's forum for audience comment. Presented by Roger Bolton.
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Feedback: 15 Jun 12: Choral Evensong
The secret life of a continuity announcer, and what went wrong at Choral Evensong? Radio 4's forum for audience comment. Presented by Roger Bolton.
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Feedback: 8 Jun 12: BBC Jubilee coverage
A look back at the BBC Jubilee coverage, plus... is the Archers endangered?
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Feedback: 1 Jun 12: Gripping radio or exploitation?
Are some subjects too personal for broadcast? And the future of local radio.
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Feedback: 13 Apr 12: R4's Controller takes questions
The extension of World at One, changes to Saturday morning programmes and thoughts on the next Director General of the BBC – Gwyneth Williams, the controller of Radio 4 takes listeners' questions and gives her thoughts on what this summer holds for her network. Making the unmissable… er… missable. Why were so many programmes not available on iPlayer last weekend and why had so many podcasts gone awol? Was everyone on holiday? Young news junkies form a Feedback Listening Club to pick apart...
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Feedback: 6 Apr 12: Improving the BBC complaints system
Can anything be done to make Radio 4 comedy appeal to a wider audience? The writers of Ed Reardon's Week and North by Northamptonshire, along with Radio 4's comedy commissioning editor, discuss. The BBC's Complaints system is being overhauled. Find out more about how you can have your say on what needs to be done to make it better. It's been five months since BBC local radio listeners first complained about the strange clicks, crackle and pops they hear when listening online. So why is it...
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Feedback: 30 Mar 12: Support for Count Arthur Strong
Last week critics of Radio 4's Count Arthur Strong aired their views - and outraged his many fans. They contacted the programme in droves, demanding satisfaction. So, in this week's programme the Count's supporters meet his detractors for a fight to the comedy death - well nearly. Which side will win? Is the programme Strong or weak? Roger Bolton officiates and there is a special appearance from Count Arthur himself. Roger meets Today presenter Justin Webb and 5Live's Victoria Derbyshire to...
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Feedback: 23 Mar 12: Count Arthur Strong - too weak?
Who are all those people laughing on Count Arthur Strong's Radio 4 comedy show? Not Feedback listeners who want to know why he's still on air after seven series. Listeners find all the spin and speculation ahead of Wednesday's budget a turn-off. Can't we just wait until we actually know what the Chancellor is going to say they wonder? Paddy O'Connell opens the doors of Broadcasting House during a special recording of the programme at the More Than Words Festival in Bristol. But does anyone...
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16 Mar 12: The Now Show and Glasswatch
After The Now Show this week tackled gay marriage, child abuse and the Catholic church some Feedback listeners contacted us with concerns. Roger asks Jane Berthoud, BBC Radio's head of comedy, how her team assesses controversial material and whether in this case the right decisions were made. Robust and challenging - or simply a slanging match? When presenter Justin Webb first joined the Today programme he said he'd be gentle and let politicians have their say. Then he changed his mind. In...
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9 Mar 12: Phone-ins, traffic reports, graphic news
This week the news carried tough stories about the situation in Syria, and about the death of 15 year old Kristy Bamu, at the hands of his sister and her partner. Too much information said some listeners, especially as some reports did not include a warning about the graphic content. Is it the end of the road for BBC Radio 2's traffic reports? With websites, apps and local radio providing up to the minute information that's relevant to you wherever you are, some listeners think the end is...
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Feedback: 2 Mar 12: BBC local radio
The fate of BBC local radio is once more under the microscope this week, as media consultant John Myers publishes his report on the best way to cut costs and keep quality. As the BBC World Service turns 80, it has thrown open the doors to its news conference. For the first time the daily meeting where editors discuss the news agenda was broadcast around the world. Feedback went along to find out how much the great and the good consider what the audience wants to hear. On BBC Radio 4 a recent...
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Feedback: 24 Feb 11: How extra is 5Live Sports Extra?
Thousands of listeners are furious about BBC Scotland's decision to end two long-running and popular programmes. Roger asks Jeff Zycinski, BBC Scotland's Head of Radio, to explain why the Janice Forsyth Show and Mary Ann Kennedy's Global Gathering have to go. And what's the point of BBC 5Live Sports Extra if it plays the same match as BBC 5Live? Sports Editor Michael Carr explains why this happened - and why it may well happen again. Plus we reveal the cause of the loud snaps, crackles and...
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Feedback: 17 Feb 12: What should top the news bulletins?
Did the death of singer Whitney Houston and the acquittal of football manager Harry Redknapp deserve to top the news bulletins? Many listeners feel that important events at home and abroad were shunted aside unjustifiably. In this week's Feedback Roger asks Mary Hockaday, head of the BBC's newsroom, whether the right decisions were made. During a particularly robust episode of the Moral Maze, many listeners felt debate gave way to a dust-up. Michael Buerk tells Roger how he tries - and...
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Feedback: 10 Feb 12: Too much sport on Radio 4?
Roger Bolton asks Andrew Scott, Head of Radio and Music for Future Media, why iPlayer editing is letting listeners down. There are five months still to go until the Olympics, but have Radio 4 listeners already had enough of sport? Following Clare Balding's series Sport and the British - and her appearance on Midweek - Roger hears from listeners who want to keep the station a sport-free zone. And the Feedback Listening Club returns, with three listeners gathering to discuss Radio 4's Saturday...
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Feedback: 3 Feb 12: BBC Trust's 5Live review
A clearer focus on news and more coverage of minority sports. That's the order from the BBC Trust, which has just completed its review of 5Live. Do you agree? The recent audience research RAJAR report shows a drop in the station's listening figures. So we find out if listeners think the Trust has got the answer. Are you experiencing a sense of deja entendu? When it comes to radio dramas, many listeners feel the rate of repeats has increased. Roger asks Jeremy Howe, commissioning editor of...
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Feedback: 27 Jan 12: Home Planet
The decision to end Radio 4's Home Planet has dismayed many listeners. This week two listeners meet commissioning editor Mohit Bakaya to ask - what on earth is going on? And Happy 70th Birthday Desert Island Discs. Executive producer Cathy Drysdale tells Roger how this weekend - each BBC local radio station as well as BBC Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are running special programmes dedicated to the music choices and personal stories of hundreds of listeners. We also hear your...
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Feedback: 20 Jan 12: Stand-in presenters
In the first programme of the new series, Roger Bolton talks to Lewis Carnie, head of programmes at Radio 2, about the delicate business of finding suitable stand-in presenters. After countless tales of woe from listeners trying to contact programmes, Roger issues a challenge to Radio 4's network manager Denis Nowlan. Can he negotiate the website and deliver a listener's message? And will it be read? And what are your hopes and fears for radio in 2012? Listeners share their aspirations, and...
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Feedback: 25 Nov 11: Asian Network
Less than two years ago the BBC Asian Network faced extinction. It was spared, but now its budget is set to be cut by almost half. What will this mean for the station, and for its audience? Are you filling in the Delivering Quality First consultation document? If so you still have plenty of time, the deadline is 21st December 2011. But some listeners feel the document itself isn't delivering much in the way of quality; too dense, too long and too much jargon. Roger enlists the help of Marie...
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Feedback: 18 Nov 11: R4 Controller addresses concerns
Radio 4 Controller addresses listeners' concerns about schedule changes. And while Radio 4's Remembrance Day coverage is praised, some listeners feel some of the comedy broadcast in the days surrounding Remembrance Day was inappropriate. And this week's Feedback Listening Club is formed of three tenors from a community choir in Blackburn. They turn their forensic listening abilities to Woman's Hour, and (whisper it) one of them is a man...
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Feedback: 11 Nov 11: Longer World at One
The World at One now has 15 extra minutes to fill, following the shake-up of the afternoon schedule on Radio 4. Roger asks Nick Sutton, the programme's editor, what he plans to do with the time and how much investigation he has done into what the audience really wants to hear. The BBC Trust has launched a review into the impartiality of the BBC's reporting of the Arab Spring. Alison Hastings, chair of the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee, explains the reasons for the review and the...
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Feedback: 4 Nov 11: New Radio 4 schedule
Can local radio thrive despite the cuts? And what does the new Radio 4 schedule hold? Presented by Roger Bolton.
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Feedback: 28 Oct 11: Shipping Forecast and Long Wave
Why were listeners' views on the two biggest news stories of last week not covered in Any Answers? Roger Bolton asks the programme's editor Clare McGinn why calls on the row over the St Paul's protest, school results and downsizing of homes left no room for listeners' views on Gaddafi's death and the proposed EU referendum. It's the beginning of the end for long wave. Tens of thousands of small-time mariners, who can't afford expensive equipment and currently rely on hearing the Shipping...
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Feedback: 21 Oct 11: Your views on local radio cuts
As the BBC's 40 local radio stations confront spending cuts, Roger hears your views about the impact on local democracy and community interaction. Listeners face having to share some programmes with neighbouring stations during off-peak times, and will see specialist evening programmes replaced with one England-wide show. No bad thing, say some of you. But others agree with the listener who described the plan as "destroying quality first". Roger drops into the offices of The Last Word, Radio...
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Feedback: 14 Oct 11: Cuts to Radio 4
Did Radio 4 really get off that lightly in last week's BBC cuts? Roger Bolton talks to Tim Davie, the BBC's head of radio about the true impact of those Delivering Quality First proposals on news programmes in particular. The BBC has also signalled the death of longwave. Roger asks Denis Nolan, Radio 4's network manager, why alternatives can't be found, and how much will be saved by the axing of this service which is still crucial to so many listeners. Plus Feedback's Glasswatchers find...
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Feedback: 7 Oct 11: R3 schedule changes
Controller Roger Wright answers your concerns about Radio 3. And Lord Patten discusses this week's cost-cutting announcement. And we introduce a brand new feature: the Feedback Listening Club. We are looking for small groups of Feedback listeners to select a BBC radio programme, listen to it, and then get together for a recorded discussion of their thoughts on their chosen programme. First up is 'Open Book'. If you're interested and would like more information, please email feedback@bbc.co.uk
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Feedback: 30 Sep 11: 50th birthday of In Touch
Is it possible to give listeners access to the riches of the BBC archive - without releasing material that was deemed acceptable when it was made but is offensive now? Roger ask David Jordon, director of Editorial Policy and Standards, what the rules are. And following a furore in the press Roger finds out if it's really no longer acceptable to use the terms AD and BC, instead of CE and BCE, on the airwaves. We celebrate the 50th birthday of In Touch, BBC Radio 4's programme for blind and...
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Feedback: 23Sep11 Light music, Americana & BBC Archive
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...
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Feedback: 16 Sep 11: 9/11 coverage; R3 schedule changes
Conflict over 9/11 coverage and changes to R3 schedule plus listeners' views on R4 drama blockbuster. Presented by Roger Bolton.
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Feedback: 29 Jul 11: R4 controller on cutting short...
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...
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Feedback: 22 Jul 11: Behind the scenes at R4's Today
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...
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Feedback: 15 Jul 11: changes to the Radio 4 schedule
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?
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Feedback: 8 Jul 11: Fisticuffs on Today
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.
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Feedback: 1 Jul 11: BBC complaints system
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...
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Feedback: 24 Jun 11: Children's radio
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...
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Feedback: 17 June 11: Your Desert Island Discs
Roger asks if You and Yours should have given such a dollop of attention to Krispy Kreme doughnuts? Could more listeners and less celebs have waxed lyrical on Your Desert Island Disc choices? And as Radio 3 warms up for The Proms - what are the perils of live music broadcasting?
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Feedback: 10 Jun 11: 5live too blokey?
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? 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.
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Feedback: 3 Jun 11: Changes to BBC local radio
Roger investigates threatened changes to BBC local radio and spends a morning with the Today team - can he get a word in edgeways? It will be a long hot summer as BBC management chew over where the axe will fall to make savings needed - and staff at 5Live prepare to move to Salford but will the listeners hear any difference?
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Feedback: 27 May 11: Moral Maze - debate or bullying?
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...
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Feedback: 20 May 11: Concerns over re-vamped Radio 4...
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...
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Feedback: 25 Mar 11: A brief history of time
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...
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Feedback: 18 Mar 11: What's extra about Ambridge Extra?
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...
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Feedback: 13 Mar 11
Radio 4's forum for comments, queries, criticisms and congratulations. 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.
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Feedback: 4 Mar 11: Hardeep Singh Kohli's first kiss
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...
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Feedback: 25 Feb 11: Reporting a revolution
How many BBC journalists does it take to report a revolution? Too many, say many Feedback listeners. Roger talks to Fran Unsworth, the BBC's head of newsgathering who justifies the numbers. The candid confessional of an alcoholic doctor gripped listeners of Victoria Derbyshire's 5Live phone in last week. 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. And getting the accents right in...
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Feedback: 18 Feb 11: Salford - the new home of BBC North
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...
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Feedback: 11 Feb 11: BBC Trust report on Radio's 3, 4...
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?
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Feedback: 4 Feb 11: Cuts to the World Service
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.
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Feedback: 28 Jan 11 Radio 4 controller unveils her plans
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.
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Feedback: 3 Dec 2010: BBC in the headlines
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!
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Feedback: 26 Nov 2010: New talent for Radio 4 comedy
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. 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.
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Feedback: 19 Nov 2010: Racial stereotypes in The Archers?
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. 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.
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Feedback: 12 Nov 2010: licence fee for overseas...
Justin Webb explains why he wants to toughen up his act. But listeners say please don't as they rather enjoy it when 'Today' was taken off the air by the recent national Union of Journalists' strike. It was replaced by more gentle 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 it it's...
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Feedback: 5 Nov 2010: Intelligence
Military leaks, apologies to Bob Geldof and BBC Radio Fry. Presented by Roger Bolton.
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Feedback: 29 Oct 2010: Desert Island Discs
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.
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Feedback: 22 Oct 2010: New licence fee deal
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.
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Feedback: 15 Oct 2010: BBC radio message boards
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...
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Feedback: 8 Oct 2010: New Radio 4 controller
Your suggestions for the new controller of Radio 4; Jon Holmes treads the thin line between brilliant comedy and bad taste and how latest proposals over the BBC pension scheme will affect the licence fee.
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