The BBC's cuts spell the end for Regional and local radio - time to protest

As most of you know, I am a Folkie, yes thats true a harp playing, beard growing, jumper wearing folkie.

Last year, as part of the BBCs streamling we lost an amazing quality show, Folkwaves. Now they have announced more streamlining that means that there will be nationwide programming of cutting excellent shows that means we will lose Genevieve Tudors Sunday Folk (out of Shropshire) and The Durbervilles (out of Leeds) among others.

Now I understand that minority programming is very much a minority thing, but Gen has over the years been responsible for introducing wonderful new acts, has developed a 2 hour show that is the very best in Folk and Roots music and the very best in the English folk tradition, fun, she has create an informal and comfortable bastion against the noise of mediocre music- we risk losing her to two more hours a week of bland mainstream chat/music that you can get anywhere.

So dearest friends, please get involved and write to complain about this planned cut in regional programming and Gens show in particular.

here's the address phone number and email to write to.

We should point people who have views on DQF to the Trust's consultation website. It's at http://consultations.external.bbc.co.uk/bbc/dqf/

The mailing address is:

Delivering Quality First
BBC Trust
180 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5QZ

and the phone number for enquiries 0800 068 0116

Thanks for doing this, I'm also plugging away online to get as many people to send in their support for BBC Local Radio Folk programmes, they are a global resource now. Another under threat is Phil Brown's The Drift on BBC Radio Lancashire, he has the Genevieve Tudor approach to creating a rounded imaginative mix of recorded and live performances, but in just 1 precious hour.

It will be appalling if folk programming is reduced to Mike Hardings single hour. Not that I have a problem with Mike and his show, but he showcases only a segment of the amazing amount of Folk, Roots and acoustic music being produced today.

I think that as this is a series of cuts that will devastate local radio, it is a campaign that as many people should be getting involved in. I know Maddy Priors sister and will be asking her to ask Maddy to get in touch with Gen.

Just a little bit of sideline for the non folkies reading this, Folk isn't that old stereotype of beardy blokes in fishermans sweaters singing with a finger in the ear, or Rambling Sid Rumpo, modern folk is haunting and beautiful, tells a story, something to sing along to.

I will post youtube videos to show you why Gens show (among others) deserves to stay on the air.

O'Hooley and Tidow.


June Tabor


The Unthanks


Eivør Palsdottir


Emily Portman


Bellowhead


Marry Waterson & Oliver Knight (Featuring Eliza Carthy)

These are just brief sampling of the amazing talent, old and new, that Genevieve Tudor has showcased, beautiful voices that have been heard around the world on her show - no small accomplishment.

It would be crime to allow the BBC to silence her (and them).

Some great music there, Badger - I think June Tabor is probably my favourite singer of all. (We spent a whole summer listening to nothing else but 'A Cut Above' once!)
Hard to belive that the BBC would cut a truly original programme for what - more Justin Bieber and inane chat?