R2OK!

Rachel · Guest

I’m not sure how many people are aware of the Broadcasting Secondary Protocol, but to explain, it’s a pre-arranged “take-over” of any BBC or Commercial Radio Station or TV Channel that is out of control or a risk to public order. Under normal circumstances you would never hear about it, but its use has been discussed at the highest levels in recent days. My sources tell me it was just minutes away from being approved but was then held and still is on review. I’m not sure which station or channel is affected but the rumour is, it’s Radio 2. From the listeners point of view little changes – we still get music and news and travel but without anyone at Radio 2 being involved. So if suddenly the presenter sounds a little different, you'll know what's happened.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19300 Location: Cheshire

Hi Rachel,

I've not heard of this before BUT with the high level meeting of most of the presenters last week and Mark Thompson's visit to Downing St I think there is something afoot.

It occurred to me a little while ago that perhaps they are deliberately trying to make it like a commercial station so that it could be sold off which has often been suggested before together with Radio 1.

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

ColinB · Guest

I once worked for a local cable TV station and had the opportunity to have a squizz at the broadcasting licence which was then granted by the Home Office Broadcasting Division (but would now be OfCom) and in it was a clear reference to the fact that the Government reserved the right to revoke the licencee's independence at any time with the service coming under the direct editorial and technical control of The Home Office should "circumstances require it". I guess that was the so-called "second protocol" which we assumed would be invoked in the case of war or heightened civil disobedience. I'm sure it was imposed upon the BBC during WW2.

I'm not so sure there's a case for it right now but I don't doubt for one minute that the BBC's senior management is quaking in its collective boots at what's likely to be around the corner. A merger between Radios 1 and 2 wouldn't surprise me at all - even if the idea is barmy.

Perhaps the corporation is to be re-branded "The Evans Broadcasting Corporation"???

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19300 Location: Cheshire

As far as I'm concerned it already is that as far as Radio 2 is concerned. Maybe he wants to buy it.... Shocked

I'm sure he can afford it without having to sell any of his fast cars. Wink

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

Lord Evan Elpuss · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 3414 Location: Cloud Cuckoo Land

RockitRon · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 7646

He made money out of Virgin. He won't perform the trick twice.

I'm puzzled as to how anyone thinks that there is anything of value to be obtained in selling any of the BBC's radio stations and, since the commercial ones are all consolidating and slimming down to become ersatz copies of Radios 1 and 2, and may still not make much money out of them, I can't see who would want to buy any.

Broadcasting Secondary Protocol Laughing

I feel a story coming on...
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Ron

Rachel · Guest

I don’t think there’s any money to be made (well not much anyway) more of a redistribution but I think some commercial broadcasters may get the opportunity (and be paid) to run various aspects of the BBC, it would all be paid for out of the new reduced licence fee but would involve fewer people and hence reduced cost to us.

A story?…. hmmm you know me too well Smile

ColinB · Guest