R2OK!

Nigel · Joined: 17 Sep 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Lincolnshire

Keith Skues broadcasts on BBC Local stations covering the eastern counties on Sundays from 9pm - 1am. Keith is a legendary broadcaster having a career spanning Pirate, Commercial and BBC Radio. His was the second voice heard on Radio 1 when it was launched in 1967. I am sure many posters on here will be more familiar with Keith's career than I.

I recently discovered his Sunday evening show which is networked across a number of BBC local stations. Keith uses his own vinyl collection to broadcast many genres of popular music spanning from the 1940s through to the 80s. The show also features in depth segments looking at particular artists or record labels. It is an excellent programme, presented in a relaxed, courteous and warm style.

Given that this is the BBC all of these positive attributes has prompted some bright spark to axe the show. Over the last 2 weeks Keith intimated that the show was under threat and listening to last Sunday's show on listen again Keith indeed announced that the show is being cut. He was audibly upset and the decision has clearly been made against his will. The show is being reduced to 2 hours from 11pm to 1am and will no longer be titled the collection and have the scope to feature Keith's vast record collection. Keith intimated that this new show will run until next April. If Keith is planning to retire next April it seems a pretty stupid decision to cut his show in half now and a pretty shabby way to treat a great broadcaster.

If you have never listened I would recommend you catch his programme while you can.

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

I've listened to it on a few occasions I'll try to make an effort to listen more often on Listen Again.

That is a blow for music programmes of that ilk as Colin Berry's show finished only a few weeks ago.

Thanks for the info.

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

That's a big shame because Keith Skues is one of our radio heroes. I sometimes catch his show via BBC 3CR and it's always good.

I guess he's the victim of a new managerial broom in the cupboard. There's a lot them about these days - especially at the BBC.

By the way - Keith's excellent book "Pop Went The Pirates" (1994) makes superb reading for anyone interested in the pirate radio era.

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

Just an update on this......

Last Sunday was the last 4 hour show from Keith, so if you want to listen again be quick about it!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00b490l

It wasn't the show he'd planned as a power cut in his home prevented him accessing what he had planned. It's a bit quirky but some nostalgic bits and pieces.

He moves to 9pm on Sundays from tomorrow 3rd October.

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