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Simon Mayo leaving Radio 2
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Ian Robinson
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 9:17 am    Post subject: Simon Mayo leaving Radio 2 Reply with quote

In a not-entirely unexpected development, Mayo has confirmed he's leaving Radio 2. His statement:

Quote:
So. A few things to say. Very sadly, I have decided to move on from Radio 2. Sad to leave the show, sad to leave Jo, sad to leave Wogan House (I thought I’d be dragged out aged 120). But circumstances change...

Juggling my writing and radio has become increasingly tricky (a nice problem to have). I’ve just signed a new 2 book deal with the nice folk at Transworld and they’ll be expecting something half decent before too long.

On top of that my Itch books are about to be filmed for television in Australia and the work turning Mad Blood Stirring into a movie continues apace.

I know, I know, I’m as surprised at this turn of events as you. But at my grand old age to be setting off on these brand new trails is enormous fun. And all the more so for being so unexpected.There are, however, only so many hours in a day.

I’ll continue with the (flagship) film show on 5Live with Mark Kermode and, beyond that, other radio adventures beckon! But for now it’s just the sadness of leaving. Radio 2 has been a wonderful place for me-my happiest radio I think. Our listeners are really quite extraordinary.

One other thing. Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not but so there is no room for argument I’ll be clear. I’ve loved working with the exceptional Jo Whiley and when the show was ‘reconfigured ‘ she was my first and only choice.

Some of the abuse she has had here has been appalling. Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another.

So by all means discuss what’s happening here, but let’s keep some civility. Thank you. Here endeth the lesson. And (one very final thing), as anyone who has worked here will attest, the producers and APs are a class apart. Brilliant production teams make our jobs a joy.

Thanks to each and every one.
Onwards.


Jo Whiley is being moved to 7pm-9pm Monday-Thursday. Not sure who the new Drivetime host will be, but what an absolute disaster this has turned out to be - well done, Radio 2.
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essexlady



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PostPosted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 9:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The biggest disaster is that Simon Mayo will be lost from Radio 2. Well done BBC. Sad
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 10:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Furthermore:

Quote:
Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2 said: "Simon is a fantastic broadcaster, and I'd like to thank him for entertaining millions of Radio 2 listeners with his wit and warmth over the years.

"With Simon leaving, we've taken this opportunity to take a fresh look at the schedule, and create a show for Jo which will focus on her passion for music."

That's what she had before all the messing around! They make it sound like something new, but it will be the same old show that was shedding listeners before.
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Nickbucks



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PostPosted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 10:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Feel sorry for Simon Mayo. Pushed out and now R2 are left with no daytime female presenter which was the main aim of the change.

Even worse JW is going to deputise for Ken Bruce in 2019. Another own goal from R2. I thought Trevor Nelson did a good job when deputising this year. JW will not like the mid-morning playlist and when she previously did Ken's show I seem to recall that she treated Popmaster as an irrelevance.
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 12:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

What a mess and Gillian Reynold's predictions were correct but came a bit earlier than she thought.
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 2:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ol' Carnage lives up to his name, doesn't he? Yet again, he walks away from the car crash unscathed...leaving the listeners in need of care. Losing Simon Mayo is a massive thing.

This is interesting...

'It's worth noting that the latest listening figures (RAJARs) are due to be published later this week, which may have caused a dramatic drop-off in listeners, since Whiley joined the show.'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45938829

Of course, he couldn't be seen to revert to the way things were, so has her doing 7-9, while the 'specialist' shows go back to 9.00.

But of most concern to me, is the replacement for the Drivetime show. You just know it's going to be given to someone totally unsuited to it. If you've been unlucky enough to catch a few minutes of more of Fearne Cotton these past Sundays, you'll have a rough idea of what I'm bleating on about..
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nod



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PostPosted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 2:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Let's hope they find someone good for the driveline show, or it will be even less time listening to R2 for me.

Too many 1990's R1 presenters already, please not another Rolling Eyes
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Number Six



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PostPosted: Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

oldraver wrote:
Ol' Carnage lives up to his name, doesn't he? Yet again, he walks away from the car crash unscathed...leaving the listeners in need of care. Losing Simon Mayo is a massive thing.

This is interesting...

'It's worth noting that the latest listening figures (RAJARs) are due to be published later this week, which may have caused a dramatic drop-off in listeners, since Whiley joined the show.'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45938829

Of course, he couldn't be seen to revert to the way things were, so has her doing 7-9, while the 'specialist' shows go back to 9.00.

But of most concern to me, is the replacement for the Drivetime show. You just know it's going to be given to someone totally unsuited to it. If you've been unlucky enough to catch a few minutes of more of Fearne Cotton these past Sundays, you'll have a rough idea of what I'm bleating on about..



I thought Winkleman was awful until I assaulted my eardrums with Cotton. Actually, I still think Winkleman is awful I suppose Sara Cox for Drivetime is far too obvious for the idiots in charge?
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Fri Oct 26, 2018 6:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gillian Reynolds was on this week's Feedback on R4. It's the first segment and Bob Shennan is on next week's edition.

H
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 11:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
Gillian Reynolds was on this week's Feedback on R4. It's the first segment and Bob Shennan is on next week's edition.

H

Thanks Helen - will have a listen.
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Number Six



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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 9:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
Gillian Reynolds was on this week's Feedback on R4. It's the first segment and Bob Shennan is on next week's edition.

H


Did you read her column in the Sunday Times Helen? She made the point that the listener believes the presenter is talking to them. When the puts Simon and Jo together they were talking to each other, not you. Made me realise why I've never got on with Steve Wright. I always felt as though I was listening in on their conversation.
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 9:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It was predictable that Sara would get the slot...one thing I did learn yesterday, was that Chris Evans threatened to quit if he didn't get Drivetime. A very nice listen again/download from Tiggy Walker's programme on Abbey FM...interviewing her other half. The music is lovely, too.

http://abbey104.com/play-it-again/
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 9:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Number Six wrote:
Helen May wrote:
Gillian Reynolds was on this week's Feedback on R4. It's the first segment and Bob Shennan is on next week's edition.

H


Did you read her column in the Sunday Times Helen? She made the point that the listener believes the presenter is talking to them. When the puts Simon and Jo together they were talking to each other, not you. Made me realise why I've never got on with Steve Wright. I always felt as though I was listening in on their conversation.


Yes I read the column and her words are so true. I always remember JV saying, probably not that long after he came to R2, that he felt radio to be far more intimate than TV, I agree with him there as well.

I don't feel that Sara Cox or Zoe will fulfill that task.

What was also interesting is that if the listening figures fall, as I think they will, that it bodes badly for radio as a whole as the share of the licence fee would be cut and programmes would suffer.

H
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 9:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

oldraver wrote:
It was predictable that Sara would get the slot...one thing I did learn yesterday, was that Chris Evans threatened to quit if he didn't get Drivetime. A very nice listen again/download from Tiggy Walker's programme on Abbey FM...interviewing her other half. The music is lovely, too.

http://abbey104.com/play-it-again/


I wasn't surprised either, it's not good news.

Thanks for Abbey link as well Raver!

H
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 10:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
Yes I read the column and her words are so true. I always remember JV saying, probably not that long after he came to R2, that he felt radio to be far more intimate than TV, I agree with him there as well.

I don't feel that Sara Cox or Zoe will fulfill that task.

What was also interesting is that if the listening figures fall, as I think they will, that it bodes badly for radio as a whole as the share of the licence fee would be cut and programmes would suffer.

H

I think one reason Bannister had to axe those DJs at Radio One all those years ago was because their lifestyle had become so far from what listeners did - they would talk about showbiz pals, parties they'd attended, the mansions they lived in, etc. Unfortunately it didn't take long for the new lot to get that way, and Zoe in particular was always going on about her famous husband and party lifestyle which again led to a decline at Radio One.

But it's a few years on now... I think Zoe is still much the same, but Sara has really grown as a broadcaster. I think Ken, Simon and Wogan have been hits on Radio 2 because they feel like the sort of person you can go to the pub with and have a good chat and Sara has that too. I really like her now, she knows her audience and when someone texts in she treats them well.

I'm still undecided about Zoe, but Drivetime should be fine.

I'm also undecided about Trevor Nelson's Rhythm Nation going 4 nights a week. I like Radio 2 for the variety of music, so is 8 hours of one style too much?
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oldraver



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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 10:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I didn't know that. 4 nights a week!! As nice as he is, I don't listen to it one night a week.

I've said it before, but it really underlines the need for a separate station to be conjured up, to cater for us coffin dodgers.

You'll really enjoy that Tiggy prog, H. Especially seeing you can download it, as I did.
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 12:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

"Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2, says: "Sara is hugely popular with the Radio 2 audience and I have every confidence that she’ll make the new Drivetime show her very own. Trevor is one of the leading lights in soul music in the UK, and he’ll bring his curated blend of music to Monday to Thursday nights, which I know our listeners will love. With Zoe Ball at Breakfast and Jo Whiley from 7pm-9pm each weekday, 2019 looks to be an extremely exciting year for Radio 2.""

Straight out of W1A. Lewis, you had bugger all to do with any of this. If Evans and Simon hadn't decided to go you would have just carried on. Talk about howling hypocrisy
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 1:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I actually quite enjoy Trevor on Saturday nights when I leave the radio on after Liza's show.

H
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 1:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
I actually quite enjoy Trevor on Saturday nights when I leave the radio on after Liza's show.

H


I liked Trevor when he sat in for Ken. Much better than Fearne Cotton
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 2:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

"I don't feel that Sara Cox or Zoe will fulfill that task. "

Exactly, yet more unlistenable shows on R2.

Nothing about being female just the awful formats. It will just be text/email/twitter/shoutout banter and 80s/90s music, it's just old R1 stuff Rolling Eyes

Evans would have been better at Drivetime, I just couldn't stand being shouted at Breakfast time.
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Lord Evan Elpuss



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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 4:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ian Robinson wrote:

I think one reason Bannister had to axe those DJs at Radio One all those years ago was because their lifestyle had become so far from what listeners did - they would talk about showbiz pals, parties they'd attended, the mansions they lived in, etc. Unfortunately it didn't take long for the new lot to get that way, and Zoe in particular was always going on about her famous husband and party lifestyle which again led to a decline at Radio One.

I thought that this made interesting reading about Bannister's 'night of the long knives': http://andywalmsley.blogspot.com/2018/ Post dated 26th October
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 29, 2018 7:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lord Evan Elpuss wrote:
Ian Robinson wrote:

I think one reason Bannister had to axe those DJs at Radio One all those years ago was because their lifestyle had become so far from what listeners did - they would talk about showbiz pals, parties they'd attended, the mansions they lived in, etc. Unfortunately it didn't take long for the new lot to get that way, and Zoe in particular was always going on about her famous husband and party lifestyle which again led to a decline at Radio One.

I thought that this made interesting reading about Bannister's 'night of the long knives': http://andywalmsley.blogspot.com/2018/ Post dated 26th October

A good read - with an interesting and still relevant quote from Simon Mayo!
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nod



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PostPosted: Wed Oct 31, 2018 11:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Very interesting read.

I didn't realise they had done the 'remixed and extended' format with Whiley and Lamacq.

History repeating, now with R2 becoming the old R1. Rolling Eyes
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2018 1:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Radio Times article:

https://www.radiotimes.com/news/radio/2018-11-03/bbc-radio-2-whats-gone-wrong-presenters-leaving-listeners-angry/amp/
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oldraver



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PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2018 10:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I enjoyed that read, from the point of schadenfreude...but also anger, at the mess these suits - and I include OFCOM - create. After all, what could be simpler than playing music and picking someone with engaging talk between records? Makes you yearn for the days when that was all we got, as opposed to the nonsense that permeates the airwaves today.

At least I understand a bit more, why the R2 playlist is so dreadful.

This paragraph below made me chuckle...and I could be wrong, but the figures will continue to plummet, once the changes are in place. The only hope they have, is that the younger listeners will tune in. I'm not sure they will prove to be as loyal as the prehistoric audience. Or should I say Arthurian... Twisted Evil

'There was further staff exasperation when, last Thursday, the quarterly Rajar radio listening figures revealed that Radio 2’s audience had fallen year-on-year by 800,000 listeners, including a half-million fall in Evans’s figures. Lewis Carnie issued a statement expressing pleasure that “Radio 2 is still Britain’s most popular radio station”, a gloss that one insider likened to the Black Knight in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, exuding positivity even as each limb is hacked off.'
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 05, 2018 11:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

oldraver wrote:
I enjoyed that read, from the point of schadenfreude...but also anger, at the mess these suits - and I include OFCOM - create. After all, what could be simpler than playing music and picking someone with engaging talk between records?

Yes, listeners are being poorly-served by people who don't listen to the station but still think they know best.
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becky sharp



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PostPosted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 4:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ian Robinson wrote:
Radio Times article:

https://www.radiotimes.com/news/radio/2018-11-03/bbc-radio-2-whats-gone-wrong-presenters-leaving-listeners-angry/amp/


You could highlight nearly all of the points in that excellent article.....I'll just highlight a couple...

Someone who has a long-time involvement with Radio 2 says bluntly: “The managers are mainly s**t. And there are so many of them that, if you complain to one of them about something, they tell you the decision was made by another one. But when you go to see the other one, they tell you it was the first one.”

A well-known presenter says: “If you ran a company that made chocolate bars and you lost one of your biggest products to a rival, and then had a spectacular relaunch that had to be abandoned after a few months, you’d be sacked. But, at the BBC, there seems to be a rule that managers are only responsible when things go well, not when they go wrong.”

Presenters point out that there is no evidence that any manager involved in the reputationally and financially disastrous lost legal case against Sir Cliff Richard, the gender pay or presenter contract controversies has faced any consequences at all. The Radio 2 mess is not expected to be an exception.


A complete and utter mess Rolling Eyes
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 5:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I read it in my copy of RT and thought 'you couldn't make it up' but then we probably all know how useless the managers are going back 15+ years.

With the introduction of BBC Sounds I actually fear for live radio in the future.

Feedback from last Friday is worth a listen as it talks about that and touches again on Simon Mayo leaving.

H
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 07, 2018 5:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Helen May wrote:
Feedback from last Friday is worth a listen as it talks about that and touches again on Simon Mayo leaving.

Yes, Bob Shennan pretending every thing is wonderful was an awkward listen
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becky sharp



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PostPosted: Sun Dec 23, 2018 6:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Simon's tweet from his last day on Radio 2

"An ex-Radio 2 host writes...
So thank you all for all the wonderful comments here. Quite moved by it all. I’ve done a daily national BBC show for 31 years solid so this might take a while to adjust to...anyway the new radio show will be announced in January. It will be startling."


Starling eh...whatever can that mean? Smile

Among the many replies this one from Jon Sopel..

"You are the absolute, total, consummate professional - exemplified by the total dignity you have shown through this deeply inglorious episode of BBC management. As someone over here says, sad. Love to you and Hilary. Look forward to hearing what comes next"
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 23, 2018 7:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That is the saddest thing about it all Becky, Simon has gone because (IMHO) they want women to do everything and the one who shouted loudest got to stay and push the specialist shows back even further. She should have been told to do her show at its old time i.e. at 8pm and put the specials back to 7pm where they belong.

It really makes me so annoyed.

H
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 24, 2018 1:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It has been an absolute cock-up all round. You would think when stars like Chris Evans and Eddie Mair are being poached by commercial stations you'd look after who's left but they've annoyed Mayo and then did the same at 6Music. Rumour is that Mayo will be on the new Greatest Hits Radio network launching in January, and that will blow his official BBC excuse out of the water.
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oldraver



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PostPosted: Wed Jan 16, 2019 12:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm eagerly awaiting the news next week. Not sure if it'll be Greatest Hits radio, though, as that's been on my DAB for a couple of weeks and it's not really living up to it's name. Loads of new stations lately, including Virgin Anthems and Virgin Chilled...though Gold has been taken off the older DABs, which is a shame.

From what I've read, another station will be unveiled next week, which Mr Mayo will be on...and hopefully Alex Lester.

I also heard a fair bit of Sara Cox's Drivetime yesterday. I think every track I heard, was from the 80's, so I won't return to that again. If Simon's new one is also a Drivetime, then it should be interesting...
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 11:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Perversely, I heard some of Jo Whiley's show on the way home last night. This evening show has always suited her particular tastes and style, which is even more reason to get rid of Carnage.

She had a young fella by the name of Sam Fender, playing a couple of live songs, including a truly wonderful version of Dancing In The Dark, which I found far superior to Bruce's. Amazing voice and guitar. Hauntingly beautiful.

Starts about 48.30 in, if anyone is remotely interested. He's also a Geordie lad, so I expect Helen to listen!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00021xp
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 11:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't know if I've posted it before but in the two years prior to moving to Drivetime, Jo Whiley's show was proper failing. According to the BBC's own research her ratings were dropping sharply and those still listening were listening less. The age of her audience was above the Radio 2 average (and rising) despite her remit being to bring the age down. The show was missing every target set of it and adversely affecting the figures for shows either side.

Yet despite this she's back doing it all again as if nothing has happened.
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 12:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's either her or Fearne Cotton, I suspect. Along with Winkleman, Ball and Cox, ladies rule the airwaves.

I've left out the best ones, namely Liza Tarbuck and Clare Teal. Regardless of listener ratings, Jo Whiley serves up a reasonably eclectic mix. Finished off with I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart, by Duke Ellington. Proper royalty, unlike the endless Queen that seemed to be foisted upon us, when she was on Drivetime.
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 12:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was wondering if anyone had listened to Sara at all.

I've not been listening to much radio at all this past month and didn't feel inclined to have to concentrate on a new show this week. Have heard bits of Steve Wright when I've been in the car but only small doses. Have had Magic on mostly in the background, just enough news for me to be bothered with, and I must sort out my DAB stations! I'm hopeful my workload and travelling will be considerably lighter by the end of the month.

Everything is 80s orientated just now isn't it?

Haven't heard of the Geordie guy Raver!

H
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've heard some of Sara and she's fine, but possibly trying to hard. A lot of fun though.



oldraver wrote:
It's either her or Fearne Cotton, I suspect. Along with Winkleman, Ball and Cox, ladies rule the airwaves.

I've left out the best ones, namely Liza Tarbuck and Clare Teal. Regardless of listener ratings, Jo Whiley serves up a reasonably eclectic mix. Finished off with I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart, by Duke Ellington. Proper royalty, unlike the endless Queen that seemed to be foisted upon us, when she was on Drivetime.

Whether you like her or not, it just seems a missed opportunity to me to carry on the old show rather than come back with something refreshed and a bit new.
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oldraver



Joined: 18 Dec 2006
Posts: 1186
Location: London

PostPosted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

When you say refreshed and something new...like what? I would have thought that Simon, being the good samaritan that he is, had something to do with her being given the evening show back. Which she makes a fair fist of. It suits her personality - or lack of. And seeing R2 is full of personalities these days, a welcome break.

BTW, if I listen to evening radio, it's usually Five Live sport. I couldn't care less who's presenting R2 at that time. Thursday happens to be a bit barren, when it comes to football. And when, either in the previous incarnation or last night, I have had her dulcet tones and musical choices on my car radio, I haven't found it an unpleasant experience, although I would object to the specialist hours being switched to 10 pm.
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oldraver



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PostPosted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 11:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

So, Simon's news is coming out on Wednesday. General consensus seems to think it's going to be Virgin.
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