Classic FM attacks Radio 3!

[MickyD]

At last some press coverage of our plight, folks!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2232574/Classic-FM-goes-war-Radio-3-copycats--Station-accuses-BBC-stealing-string-ideas-following-rival-network-s-revamp.html

[kevmusic]

The station, which is predominantly listened to by those who are over 55, and middle class, was effectively told to find ways of finding younger and more minority audiences.

How? By getting these groups to "enjoy" classical music? (Very difficult, but we keep R3.) Or by broadcasting music that already appeals to these groups? (Easy, but we lose R3 as we know it, Jim.)

Alas, we already know the answer.

[french frank]

I see I'm quoted there. John Stevens, the reporter, contacted me yesterday about this 'story' which was reported in the Guardian. I told him I didn't want to be drawn into it as our policy was to deal directly with the BBC.

He's taken that quote from a Feedback programme from some while back.

He basically wanted a story about the BBC being attacked on all sides (never mind what it was about) and I didn't want anything to do with it, so I'm pretty unchuffed to find myself quoted. [Fortunately, I have a highly placed BBC personage to vouch for the response I gave, since it was copied to him.]

[french frank]

Sorry to put a bit of a wet blanket on this story: as we'll recognise, some of us, there are points that we would agree with and we've put them to the BBC.

But really, I don't want FoR3 to be associated in any way with this public rabble-rousing, skewed, inaccurate 'reporting'. I was asked to comment on Stephen Miron's claims, and when I asked for a link to the article referred to as I couldn't comment if I didn't know what he'd said, I was referred to this article in The Guardian, the detail relating to Radio 3 being:

"But he accused the BBC of aping some of Global's output, specifically Radio 3 which has overhauled its schedule over the last 18 months.

"If you look at the changing programmes Radio 3 has done against Classic, it is pretty overt that it has looked at the successes that Classic has had and adjusted its programming structure," Miron told the Radio Festival in Salford on Tuesday.

The Mail's published article goes much further than that.

I told John Stevens that it was a bit vague and I didn't wish to comment. My fear was that if I started detailing our criticisms I/FoR3 would become an important part of the story. I told him that we presented our views directly to the BBC. That is the FoR3 strategy (for better or worse ). We support the BBC and I don't want FoR3 associated with any agenda-led attacks.

Please, will you support my contribution. This is, at base, a wretched story. Give me a Green Up Arrow. Or ...

[underthecountertenor]

Spot on ffss, and I've added my greenery.

[DracoM]

Not sure what a 'green up arrow' is, so............

Try this:

Any good?

[salymap]

Not sure what a 'green up arrow' is, so............

Try this:

Any good?

Click on FF's RED link and the green arrow will appear.

I've voted, for what it's worth...

[vinteuil]

... I've added me green arrer

[Karafan]

Click on FF's RED link and the green arrow will appear.

I've voted, for what it's worth...

I have done likewise, FF.... well said.

K.

[french frank]

Click on FF's RED link

I'll add another message clarifying a thing or two later. Meanwhile, an amble through clicking on the green arrows that make reasonable points would be good too. We have to counter the 'What do we need it for anyway? Load of pretentious snobs!' of whom a few have crept out of the woodwork. I think 'we' are winning that one already without any orchestrated help.

As I've said to supporters, it would be hypocritical to say that articles like this don't 'help' the cause by drawing attention to the issues. But I don't think that throwing in our lot with the Daily Mail will be helpful.

[Bryn]

I see you have received one down arrow. It wasn't me, honest. 31 ups and counting.

[mercia]

Radio 3 has frequently been called Radio 2.5 on this forum

[Bryn]

Radio 3 has frequently been called Radio 2.5 on this forum

This forum is but hosted by FoR3. Views expressed here must not be taken as representative of that organisation. FoR3 has not described Radio 3 as Radio 2.5.

[mercia]

the article seems to express many of the views held hereabouts, I'm surprised it isn't being welcomed

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

duly upped