Radio 3 schedule changes (‘edging away from speech')

[french frank]

Worked for forty years on and off at the Beeb as a journalist and that was a travesty of journalism. I’d complain to OFCOM but what’s the point ? I mean how can you interview your boss ?

As far as I remember, she was once a newsreader for ITN. I don't think she was ever a 'journalist', was she? And I don't think the controller would have appeared on Radio 3 in order to be grilled about his new schedule.

[Ein Heldenleben]

As far as I remember, she was once a newsreader for ITN. I don't think she was ever a 'journalist', was she? And I don't think the controller would have appeared on Radio 3 in order to be grilled about his new schedule.

Actually Sean Rafferty had the controller on re the BBC singers / orchestras and asked some very tough questions. He is an excellent broadcaster. You don’t need to be a trained journalist to do that. My point is this : If Katie has a vested ,indeed financial interest , in programmes like presenting FNIMN she should not be quizzing the Controller about it when is is a matter of some public controversy. The Guardian comments strand is more or less universally critical of these changes and their views should be put publicly to the Controller . That is what the BBC is for.

[french frank]

Actually Sean Rafferty had the controller on re the BBC singers / orchestras and asked some very tough questions. He is an excellent broadcaster. You don’t need to be a trained journalist to do that. My point is this : If Katie has a vested ,indeed financial interest , in programmes like presenting FNIMN she should not be quizzing the Controller about it when is is a matter of some public controversy. The Guardian comments strand is more or less universally critical of these changes and their views should be put publicly to the Controller . That is what the BBC is for.

I don't disagree with you at all - other than to feel KD was never going to be a suitable person to give him a hard time, regardless of her own interests. In the past there have been quite a few outside contributors who kept a low profile because they relied on Radio 3 for work.

I think Composer of the Week has been an embarrassment for a succession of controllers. In 1993 it was at 9am, in 1999 it was at noon, in 2000 it moved back to noon. Now it's to be at 4pm. I think it was also briefly in the evening (not the repeat which was on for a short time at about midnight).

[Ein Heldenleben]

I don't disagree with you at all - other than to feel KD was never going to be a suitable person to give him a hard time, regardless of her own interests. In the past there have been quite a few outside contributors who kept a low profile because they relied on Radio 3 for work.

I think Composer of the Week has been an embarrassment for a succession of controllers. In 1993 it was at 9am, in 1999 it was at noon, in 2000 it moved back to noon. Now it's to be at 4pm. I think it was also briefly in the evening (not the repeat which was on for a short time at about midnight).

If I had to define what the BBC was for I would , amongst many other things , mention COTW.

[TarandeepKang]

Some possible pluses? SMP's Sunday afternoon programme 'explores classical works and their connections with other genres and time periods (Sundays, 1.30pm–3pm)' which hath something of the Discovering Music about it. Perhaps. Though 90 mins might be of a length to introduce a certain triviality of content.

Also the Afternoon Concert, rebranded as Classical Live [= as live, apparently] 'will bring listeners exclusive performances of orchestral and chamber music recorded by BBC Radio 3 and the European Broadcasting Union, across the UK and beyond. The programme will also be a showcase for BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists as well as the BBC’s own orchestras and choirs (Mon – Friday, 1pm-4pm).'

No Penny Gore or Ian Skelly, but as a bonus we'll have Elizabeth Alker as one of the presenters. It might get away from the 'Your 100 Best Snippets' format and air full length orchestral and chamber works.

Hi all, I'm sorry been away for so long! Just been monstrously busy with work. I thought I would find a lively discussion of schedule changes here, and indeed I have. I read the press release, listened to the interview with the controller, and read the interview in the Guardian, and I would have to agree with much of what it seems you all have been saying. But, Mr Skelly has just posted on Twitter saying that he has had to take a hard decision but that he is not leaving the station, and may even have some surprises in store for us.

[french frank]

If I had to define what the BBC was for I would , amongst many other things , mention COTW.

Typo in my previous: in 1993 was at 9am, in 1999 it was at noon, in 2000 it was back at 9am, currently it's at noon, soon it is to be at 4am (after a short trial in the evening).

[Andrew Slater]

Typo in my previous: in 1993 was at 9am, in 1999 it was at noon, in 2000 it was back at 9am, currently it's at noon, soon it is to be at 4am (after a short trial in the evening).

[Andrew Slater]

On a more serious note, I find these changes very depressing: the latest in a series of steps downhill, but this is the biggest step yet, I think.

[french frank]

And there was I trying to correct a typo!

[Ein Heldenleben]

On a more serious note, I find these changes very depressing: the latest in a series of steps downhill, but this is the biggest step yet, I think.

I fear you are right Andrew . It’s a statement of intent . The marketing mob have triumphed .

[TarandeepKang]

Now the typos (amusingly) have been corrected and the future of Ian Skelly, has in some form, has been secured, can I ask a question on a completely different topic? I don't think anyone yet has mentioned Building a Library? If record review is moving, what happens to BAL? Do we keep it? Like I said, previously, I'm still comparatively new classical music, and it seems like everyone else on this forum has been enjoying for years, so I love those two programs especially, because they seem to me to give rounded and expert opinions.

I must say I also agree with FF that some of the new programs look appealing, especially the one (I can't remember the name right now) that seems to set classical music within some kind of a broader context. I was hoping Radio Three would do what Radio Four does, and give me a (musical) education (it has been) although less formally. This program looks like it might be more explicit about that aim! :-)

[Ein Heldenleben]

Now the typos (amusingly) have been corrected and the future of Ian's, in some form, has been secured, can I ask the question on a completely different? I think anyone yet has mentioned Building a Library? If record review is moving, what happens to BAL? Do we keep it? Like I said, previously, I'm still comparatively new classical music, and it seems like everyone else on this forum has been enjoying for years, so I love those two programs especially, because they seem to me to give rounded and expert opinions.

I must say I also agree with FF that some of the new programs look appealing, especially the one (I can't remember the name right now) that seems to set classical music within some kind of a broader context. I was hoping radio three would do what radio four does, and give me a (musical) education (it has been) although less formally. This program looks like it might be more explicit about that aim! :-)

There is some discussion of this on a BAL thread .Lets
put it this way collectively we are not feeling positive

[Hitch]

I would like to see more structure in R3's schedule. There is a daily programme dedicated to a composer, and Building a Library explores the wider repertoire each Saturday; why not have a show that explores a distinct musical form such as a string quartet, symphony or sonata? The promised schedule is a bit of a stew - I want to know that whatever other ingredients float to the top there will reliably be some dumplings sitting at the bottom of the pot.

[oddoneout]

Now the typos (amusingly) have been corrected and the future of Ian Skelly, has in some form, has been secured, can I ask a question on a completely different topic? I don't think anyone yet has mentioned Building a Library? If record review is moving, what happens to BAL? Do we keep it? Like I said, previously, I'm still comparatively new classical music, and it seems like everyone else on this forum has been enjoying for years, so I love those two programs especially, because they seem to me to give rounded and expert opinions.

I must say I also agree with FF that some of the new programs look appealing, especially the one (I can't remember the name right now) that seems to set classical music within some kind of a broader context. I was hoping Radio Three would do what Radio Four does, and give me a (musical) education (it has been) although less formally. This program looks like it might be more explicit about that aim! :-)

Welcome back!
Is this the new programme you are thinking of? It sounds promising, and I certainly hope it delivers, but I have reservations as Inside Music had a similar kind of talk-up which led me to believe that I would be hearing musicians talking about music in relation to their instrument, but mostly it was a variation on 'music what I like'. The occasional one that delivered something more akin to the title just highlighted the shortcomings of the majority. A recent one was a clarinettist called Berginald Bash - never heard of him and did find his accent a bit of a challenge at times, but boy, was it an interesting 90 minutes. SM-P is experienced and should be able to deliver what the listing says - always assuming that that is what those in charge actually want.
Sunday Afternoon programme with Sara Mohr-Pietsch
Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents a new Sunday afternoon programme, exploring classical pieces in the context of their history, legacy and connections to other works

[oddoneout]

As others see us... From Guardian BTL

Sometimes, when I read BTL comments, or the Friends of Radio 3 forum, I think the Radio 3 'community' (for want of a better word) is rather like a golf club. Exclusive, snobbish, conservative, self-important and utterly resistant to change. The forum I mention, in particular, is awful. They hate Sean Rafferty, they hate Suzy Klein, they hate Katie Derham, they hate Tom Service, they hate the Playlister. It's extraordinary.