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Blog about schedule changes

 
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 7:16 pm    Post subject: Blog about schedule changes Reply with quote

Just read this:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/posts/Why-we-are-changing-Radio-2s-overnight-schedule

Nothing much we didn't already know but at least Richard Allinson gets some praise for presenting Breakfast all of last week.

H
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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 8:13 pm    Post subject: Re: Blog about schedule changes Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
Just read this:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/posts/Why-we-are-changing-Radio-2s-overnight-schedule

Nothing much we didn't already know but at least Richard Allinson gets some praise for presenting Breakfast all of last week.

H


And he was still there this morning Very Happy

The last ten days has been absolutely excellent and I've started the day in a great mood compared to my normal early morning grumpiness Smile
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Ian Robinson
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 11:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It does seem curious that Allinson has presented Breakfast for 6 days in the two weeks since the schedule changes were announced. Almost as if Chris Evans has been sending a message to his bosses about how good Allinson is.
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 8:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is strange. Shame he wasn't on this morning Sad

H

PS heard your email on JV the other day!
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nod



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PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 11:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote from the responses to the blog...

"Why don't you loose say Steve and do repeats between 2 and 5pm? "

I thought they'd be repeating The Big Show for the last 20 years Wink


Last edited by nod on Wed Jun 25, 2014 3:11 pm; edited 2 times in total
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nod



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PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 12:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

<removed duplicate>

Last edited by nod on Wed Jun 25, 2014 3:11 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Ian Robinson
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 1:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
PS heard your email on JV the other day!

Ah yes! Fame at last.
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Lord Evan Elpuss



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PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 2:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I sent off a complaint about this and here's the reply that I got:
Thanks for getting in touch with the BBC.



We're sorry to learn that you're unhappy with BBC Radio 2's recent announcement about changes to the station's overnight schedule. We’ve received a very wide range of feedback on the planned schedule changes and in order to use our TV Licence fee resources efficiently, this response aims to answer the key concerns, but we apologise in advance if it doesn’t address your specific points in the manner you would prefer.



Recognising listener concerns, we discussed the issues raised with Radio 2's Controller, Bob Shennan, who has explained the following on his "About the BBC" Blog:



"A number of listeners have expressed concern about Radio 2’s recent announcement regarding forthcoming changes to our overnight schedule. Those changes will see the creation of a new, live, seven nights a week show called After Midnight, from midnight – 3am, but a reduction in the overall number of live hours broadcast through the night. I wanted to take this opportunity to explain a bit more about the reasons behind these changes.



The last licence fee settlement has meant that all parts of the BBC have faced substantial cuts to their budgets, with all areas across the business having to make substantial savings. Radio 2 has been making significant savings for the past two years both on and off-air through changes to our schedule and redundancies for a number of staff. But despite our efforts, this has not been enough. We have had to take additional tough measures including further staff reductions and merging departments across the radio stations.



Our programming is always the last place we look to make savings as we strive to maintain the distinctiveness of the schedule, through the UK’s most popular presenters, award-winning documentaries, live musical performances and the most diverse range of music played on any radio station in the UK. However, to maintain that distinctiveness with less funding we have had to look at all areas of our output to see where extra savings could be made. This has led to us to making the tough decision to reduce the number of hours of live programming overnight and this includes, regrettably, losing Richard Allinson’s two weekend programmes. A decision like this has been incredibly difficult to make, as live programming across the station is hugely important to me - as I know it is to Radio 2’s overnight audience. That’s why I have also taken this opportunity to create the new show, After Midnight, retaining two of our much-loved presenters, Janice Long (Mon-Thurs) and Alex Lester (Fri-Sun), from midnight – 3am......Wherever possible, I try to avoid repeating programmes, but the shows that will be airing on Monday to Wednesday from 3-5am – Sounds of the 60s, Sounds of the 70s, and Sounds of the 80s - are of the very highest quality. They are presented by three first class broadcasters in Brian Matthew, Johnnie Walker and Sara Cox, and feature some great music, features and interviews. Thursday and Friday night programme details will be confirmed at a later date.



I do understand why listeners are disappointed to hear that these programming changes are being made and I hope After Midnight becomes one of the network’s most popular shows."



Whilst we appreciate that you may remain unhappy, we very much hope the above helps to clarify the context behind the planned changes and why they are necessary.



Thank you again for getting in touch.

Kind Regards

Gerard Magennis

BBC Complaints

If anyone else wants to complain about this, there's a link to the complaint form on this thread: http://r2ok.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=8443
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graham b



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PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 8:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

According to the schedule Richard is covering for Evans again next Monday.
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 8:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thats good!

H
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Ian Robinson
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 11:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

According to my friend on the inside, no-one at Radio 2 is happy about the changes either. The cuts are being forced on them, and the whole of BBC radio have tried their best but haven't achieved the targets and now have to be even more ruthless.
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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 8:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ian Robinson wrote:
According to my friend on the inside, no-one at Radio 2 is happy about the changes either. The cuts are being forced on them, and the whole of BBC radio have tried their best but haven't achieved the targets and now have to be even more ruthless.


Cuts may be forced on the BBC but it's still Shennan's choice as to how to implement such cuts - and true to form he's gone for the wrong option

A better idea would have been to scrap Early Breakfast and give both Janice Long and Alex Lester extra time to cover the period up to 6.30am

Many commercial stations have a single presenter for the six hours from midnight so such a thing is hardly revolutionary Rolling Eyes
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 9:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

There is a letter in next week's Radio Times about the changes, they give more or less the same response from Bob Shennan.

H
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Ian Robinson
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 27, 2014 10:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ruddlescat wrote:
Ian Robinson wrote:
According to my friend on the inside, no-one at Radio 2 is happy about the changes either. The cuts are being forced on them, and the whole of BBC radio have tried their best but haven't achieved the targets and now have to be even more ruthless.


Cuts may be forced on the BBC but it's still Shennan's choice as to how to implement such cuts

No, it's not.

Quote:
A better idea would have been to scrap Early Breakfast and give both Janice Long and Alex Lester extra time to cover the period up to 6.30am

According to Private Eye, this is what Shennan wanted to do but the BBC Trust wouldn't let him sack Vanessa Feltz.
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mark occomore



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PostPosted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 8:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Radio 2 shouldn't be moving towards the exit of live shows. The station is going the wrong way of bringing in overnight automated just like commercial radio do.
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mark occomore



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 6:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dropping TV celebs would have saved money and keeping the main presenters as guess they don't come cheap?
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
A better idea would have been to scrap Early Breakfast and give both Janice Long and Alex Lester extra time to cover the period up to 6.30am

According to Private Eye, this is what Shennan wanted to do but the BBC Trust wouldn't let him sack Vanessa Feltz.

Strange that they could sack Sarah Kennedy though. Vanessa must have a hold over someone................

H
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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ian Robinson wrote:
ruddlescat wrote:
Ian Robinson wrote:
According to my friend on the inside, no-one at Radio 2 is happy about the changes either. The cuts are being forced on them, and the whole of BBC radio have tried their best but haven't achieved the targets and now have to be even more ruthless.


Cuts may be forced on the BBC but it's still Shennan's choice as to how to implement such cuts

No, it's not.

Quote:
A better idea would have been to scrap Early Breakfast and give both Janice Long and Alex Lester extra time to cover the period up to 6.30am

According to Private Eye, this is what Shennan wanted to do but the BBC Trust wouldn't let him sack Vanessa Feltz.


There are a number of issues which arise here Ian the first of which is the fact that the BBC Trust should not be intervening in matters to do with the day to day running of any of their various broadcasting outlets

On the actual facts of the case there would have been absolutely no problem in dispensing with the services of Ms Feltz as firstly the chances are she is not directly employed by the BBC but is likely to be a freelance presenter under contract and on this basis Feltz could not have made any claim for discrimination or unfair dismissal - only a claim for breach of contract - and the chances are that any contractural agreement would provide for termination by either party on a specified period of notice

Secondly even in the unlikely event that she IS directly employed and therefore was eligible to bring a claim for unfair dismissal the BBC could have argued that the choice was between dispensing with her services or those of Alex Lester or Janice Long both of whom are of a roughly similar age - and there is a well established principle in employment law known as 'last in first out' which in simple terms means that if an employer has to make a choice of who to get rid of between a number of employees of equal status then it is should be the person who has been employed for the shortest period of time who is selected

Methinks therefore that the failure to get rid of Ms Feltz has nothing whatsoever to do with the Miriam O'Reilly case but rather the fact that the person involved here has friends in high places which probably explains why she was given the job in the first place when there were clearly more suitable and able candidates Smile
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mark occomore



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ruddlescat wrote:
Ian Robinson wrote:
ruddlescat wrote:
Ian Robinson wrote:
According to my friend on the inside, no-one at Radio 2 is happy about the changes either. The cuts are being forced on them, and the whole of BBC radio have tried their best but haven't achieved the targets and now have to be even more ruthless.


Cuts may be forced on the BBC but it's still Shennan's choice as to how to implement such cuts

No, it's not.

Quote:
A better idea would have been to scrap Early Breakfast and give both Janice Long and Alex Lester extra time to cover the period up to 6.30am

According to Private Eye, this is what Shennan wanted to do but the BBC Trust wouldn't let him sack Vanessa Feltz.


There are a number of issues which arise here Ian the first of which is the fact that the BBC Trust should not be intervening in matters to do with the day to day running of any of their various broadcasting outlets

On the actual facts of the case there would have been absolutely no problem in dispensing with the services of Ms Feltz as firstly the chances are she is not directly employed by the BBC but is likely to be a freelance presenter under contract and on this basis Feltz could not have made any claim for discrimination or unfair dismissal - only a claim for breach of contract - and the chances are that any contractural agreement would provide for termination by either party on a specified period of notice

Secondly even in the unlikely event that she IS directly employed and therefore was eligible to bring a claim for unfair dismissal the BBC could have argued that the choice was between dispensing with her services or those of Alex Lester or Janice Long both of whom are of a roughly similar age - and there is a well established principle in employment law known as 'last in first out' which in simple terms means that if an employer has to make a choice of who to get rid of between a number of employees of equal status then it is should be the person who has been employed for the shortest period of time who is selected

Methinks therefore that the failure to get rid of Ms Feltz has nothing whatsoever to do with the Miriam O'Reilly case but rather the fact that the person involved here has friends in high places which probably explains why she was given the job in the first place when there were clearly more suitable and able candidates Smile



Feltz isn't directly employed by the BBC? Where as Alex,Janice and Richard are and had to suffer under the BBC cut backs as they are contracted under BBC terms and conditions?
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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

So therefore the BBC could dispense with her services subject to a period of notice without any risk of legal action for the reasons I have already stated Smile
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Colin



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 2:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd be surprised if any of those are on staff contracts - especially Allinson who I reckon works for a temp agency!!!

Anyhow, terms and condition have very little to do with it. They could pay off anybody at any time - it might cost them, that's all. It's all about box-ticking and button-pushing. If the Trust put the block on Shennan dispensing with Feltz (although I'm not sure it's the Trust's job to meddle in such decisions) it was probably to remind Shennan and other department heads that they have to maintain a balance of staff on gender, age, sexuality, race other cultural grounds. He's obviously under pressure to maintain a presence of middle-aged white, middle-class women on the roster so his hands are tied.

I was recently involved in a production for BBC4 (transmission TBA but probably end-Aug or early Sept), and the "tick-box" pages were unbelievable in that it asked for an analysis of every on-screen contributor, production team member, crew member, post-production services employee etc etc. Being a programme that comes into the "rock" category, ours was woefully lacking on any kind of "balance" in terms of the above at all but it still passed scrutiny.

It's no wonder there's no much discontent in broadcasting these days.
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 2:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Even Paul Donovan writing in today's Sunday Times (more about music and something about to begin on R3) says 'Radio 2 is more personality than music these days'.............

H
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Colin



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 3:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
Even Paul Donovan writing in today's Sunday Times (more about music and something about to begin on R3) says 'Radio 2 is more personality than music these days'.............


On that point, it was a pleasure to listen to the extended Sounds of The 70s show with Johnnie Walker today as we drove back from Norfolk. The early start (1.00pm) meant that we didn't have to plug in iPhone playlists to avoid the awful Eee Pee and the music Johnnie played was fabulous. I particularly loved hearing "The Pie", one of my favourite songs from the Sutherland Brothers (writers of "Sailing"). I remember interviewing them for TV in Plymouth and asking Gavin Sutherland what "The Pie" actually meant - only to have my youthful innocence highlighted when I was given the answer. Oops!

I guess we just have to enjoy the likes of Johnnie on national radio while we have him!
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2014 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Colin wrote:
Helen May wrote:
Even Paul Donovan writing in today's Sunday Times (more about music and something about to begin on R3) says 'Radio 2 is more personality than music these days'.............



I guess we just have to enjoy the likes of Johnnie on national radio while we have him!


Yes we must. Think I'll record the show from iPlayer later in the week, there aren't many that I do that with these days. Sad

H
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