From Mr Simon Walsh
Sir, - It is disingenuous and insulting of the BBC to use the
excuse of low audience numbers on Sunday evenings for moving
Sunday Half-Hour from its 8.30 p.m. slot to 6 a.m. (News, 11
January).
Ever since Richard Baker and Your 100 Best Tunes were
axed without ceremony from the schedules in 2007, the station has
floundered with its Sunday-evening programming. Little wonder
people are switching off. A mix of repeats and drivel, often both
combined, have seen Radio 2's coverage downgraded, and Sunday
Half-Hour along with it. The presenter is not even a member of
the clergy as before.
Religious broadcasting, the audience, and the licence-payer all
deserve better.
SIMON WALSH (Reader)
17 Bagshot House, Redhill Street
London NW1 4BY
Sir, - I am one of the older generation who has enjoyed
Sunday Half-Hour at 8.30 p.m. on Radio 2 for more than
half a century - just the programme to listen to before going to
bed. My telephone was red hot last Sunday evening with friends
ringing to say how saddened they were with the prospect of the
programme's moving to a 6 a.m. slot.
We were told we could "listen any time" on BBC iPlayer; but most
of us do not have a computer, and we would rather have Sunday
Half-Hour at 8.30 p.m. than Sunday Hour at 6 a.m.
Very short notice was given of the change. I wonder why.
Name & Address Supplied