BBC Trust

There were a relatively high number of Radio 1 listeners amongst those members of the public approached, with responses generally positive. The station’s varied playlist was appreciated and a recognition that the station’s core music offering was of chart music. As one respondent put it “unlike commercial radio stations, the music is new and not repetitive” with another describing it as “lively”. Some concern was expressed by a handful of respondents regarding the station’s perceived move away from indie music and the increase in the amount of drum and bass music played. A variety of views were expressed regarding the merits or otherwise of particular presenters. One interesting comment from one individual was “I’m too old for Radio 1, but don’t feel old enough for Radio 2”.

Radio 1’s news and discussion offering was appreciated, and contributed to the loyalty of its listeners. A number said they thought the station’s balance of ‘chat’ and music was about right.

Radio 1 Xtra was not mentioned by any respondents at this event.

A high proportion of those questioned listened regularly to Radio 2, with a number of respondents citing the station’s “easy listening music” and mix of old and new music as a key attraction. Others expressed the view that “Radio 2’s music needs to be brought up to date – as do its presenters”. Others praised the station’s mix of speech and music, with the lunch-time phone-in and discussion programme clearly a central part of the offering for a number of those questioned. One respondent summed up the station for him by saying “Radio 2 is entertaining, informative and has a sense of humour”.

There was a small number of Radio 3 listeners amongst those questioned, with the station’s main attraction being the classical music concerts it broadcasts, according to those listeners approached. The station provided high quality output, but was considered by some respondents to be “less accessible” than Classic FM.

There were no 6 Music listeners amongst those members of the public approached by ACW members.

A number of the public at this event listened to the BBC Asian Network, and were very positive about the station’s output - in particular the station’s “cheerful commentary” and its playing of the latest music.

A number of the BBC’s other radio stations were mentioned by respondents including the BBC’s network speech radio stations. Radio 4 was the most often mentioned of these, with the station’s drama, news, current affairs and comedy output mentioned by a number of those who made reference to the station. On the whole it was considered “trustworthy and relevant” and that its “in-depth coverage of issues” was one of the main attractions of the station alongside the range of its output. Some consternation was expressed regarding the “recent changes to The Archers; the story-line has just become unrealistic”.

Radio 4 Extra was also mentioned appreciatively by a small number of respondents though it was criticised by some for what they perceived as its over-reliance on comedy.

Radio 5 Live also had a small number of listeners who were positive about the station, the main attractions being the sports coverage - and match commentaries in particular - though the station’s news and discussion programmes were also mentioned and appreciated.

The BBC’s national radio stations for Wales Radio Cymru and Radio Wales were also mentioned by a small proportion of the respondents, with generally positive comments regarding the former’s recent changes to its schedule and presenters, and the latter being praised for the quality of its news and sport output. A number of respondents said that Radio Wales’ key attraction was the high quality of the station’s presenters. Radio Cymru was also praised for providing a Welsh perspective on the nation, the rest of the UK and the world, with its provision of local news particularly important.

A number of those members of the public who responded to Council members at the event said that their primary listening choice was a commercial radio station, with this on occasion (but not invariably) being dictated by difficulties in accessing BBC radio stations. The main reasons given by respondents for choosing to listen to commercial radio stations ahead of a BBC station was the music played by those stations, and the general tone of those stations. However, the absence of adverts on BBC radio stations, was also given by other respondents as a key contributor to their enjoyment of BBC radio stations.

Since members of the public were asked about their radio listening, there were no additional comments on other aspects of the BBC.