R2OK!

Ian Robinson · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 3:30 pm Post subject: Holidays!

When I worked, if I wanted to take time off I had to make sure it didn't clash with anyone else - so how on Earth do the Radio 2 presenters get away with it?

In the 24 hours of Wednesday 28th December there were only 3 people in their regular slots: Alex Lester, Mike Harding, and Trevor Nelson (the latter two almost certainly pre-recorded).

Regardless of the various qualities it's a bit rubbish to have virtually an entire week of stand-ins. I think it shows a lack of respect for the loyal audience, and perhaps an admission that Radio 2 don't really care who's doing the talking as long as the same records are played.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19334 Location: Cheshire

Hi Ian,

Whilst I agree with you that there shouldn't be as many presenters on holiday together for the rest of the year, I think the week between Christmas and New Year is a bit different.

In some cases it's not so much the presenter taking holidays but rather the programme being 'rested', ie JV show. It's the same with TV in many of cases, news bulletins are shorter and other shows are off until aftert the New Year.

I guess they figure that it's like a week of Bank Holidays as a lot of people have at least a week or more off work. I don't agree with it but I can remember people moaning about the JV show being on during Chistmas week! For some reason we seem incapable of having either 1 or 2 days of Bank Holiday without it turning into a fortnight off for all. I guess that's another subject though!

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

Ian Robinson · Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 5:56 pm Post subject:

I agree about JV's show being rested (and at least we're not being subjected to Vanessa Feltz) but if everything's being changed I think it's a missed opportunity for something special.

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

This happens a lot all over the Radio and TV networks. Some people think they work 2, 3 hours on the Radio or TV 5 days a week, but a lot are doing other corporate work. They are working for BBC so they are getting huge salarys, and I would be taking 2 or 3 weeks off at Christmas if I was in there position..

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

Good not to hear CE at breakfast BUT daytime Radio2 has been dire for the last week or so, and there's another week to come ? Rolling Eyes

I've been 'texted' out by the standins, text for what you are doing now, text where you are, text what you had for dinner, text for this and that, Arrgghhh!! Rolling Eyes

Radio Blah, Blah.

The best show over Xmas was Radcliffe and Maconie with Noddy Holder on 6 music Very Happy

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

At the end of the day. People are busy over the festive period, so why keep broadcasting the same shows we here during the year.

Text what Muppets you like, Text who was your best couple you seen together on TV. Text what's was under your tree.. text how santa got into your house Laughing

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19334 Location: Cheshire

I think most people would like some normality over the festive period. If you're off work you aren't as busy as normal, if you aren't well you'll listen to what you would normally.

Personally I'm a bit sick of the repeats (JW etc) some of which are very recent. Totally fed up of French and Saunders and other so called 'comedians'.

Would much prefer some specials from the regulars. I think last year Ken Bruce put together some of his live sessions which was very good.

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

ruddlescat · Joined: 16 Sep 2010 Posts: 18010 Location: Near Chester

I've hardly listened to Radio 2 at all since 24th December with the exception of Lynn Parsons SOTS and POTP yesterday

Most of the rest of the output has been not even second rate and an insult to loyal listeners

I did leave the radio on for Jo Whiley hoping that she might give us some of the better 'In Concert' offerings from 2011 but no chance - what did we get? - a rerun of that dreadful Hyde Park thing from a few months ago

Words fail me Mad

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Are you ready for a Ruddles?

Nickbucks · Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Posts: 100

I enjoyed O J Borge whilst going home after the New Year festivities and also Al Murray this morning.

Angela W · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 7202 Location: North Yorkshire

I've enjoyed some of the JW repeats because I missed them first time round. I have also enjoyed Janey Lee Grace and Al Murray this morning, plus POTP and SOTS. Haven't enjoyed some of the weekday stand ins very much!
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Pirate Johnnie Walker played my request on 11 April 2009

mark occomore · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 9955 Location: UK

Maybe Radio needs to move with the times now and true keep most of the same programmes on during the festive period apart from Christmas and New Years Day, as shops are open nearly 24/7...

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19334 Location: Cheshire

I've been saying that for years Mark! There are a few exceptions but I don't see why most don't remain the same even if they get someone else to cover.

I've hardly listened to R2 as I'd heard the JW specials first time round + the fact I had family staying so not the ideal time for radio listening.

H
_________________
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