Radio Two Becomes Pc

[andy-hughes]

You may have read in the media of the changes being made to the Radio 2 schedules, which the station admits are down to its 'need' to increase its 'diversity' quotient.

In plain English, the station has decided that there are not enough female presenters, so they are addressing that issue.

They are adding Jo Wiley as co-presenter with Simon Mayo on Drive Time, the are replacing Paul Jones on The Blues Show with Cerys Mathews, and they are axing the Arts Show with Jonathan Ross.

In order then - Jo Wiley is being added to a show not because she is a wonderful talent (my dislike of her is probably known on here), or because Mr Mayo is in dire need of a co-host, but because she is a woman.

Paul Jones has been with the station for thirty years, he is a veteran blues musician and has probably forgotten more about blues music in the years before Cerys Mathews was born. Ms Mathews is not replacing Mr Jones because he has had a memory lapse and forgotten his vast knowledge of blues music which is essential when broadcasting to enthusiasts - it is because she is a woman.

Jonathan Ross is not having his show axed because he is no longer capable of presenting it - it is because he is not a woman.

The point as I see it is this - why do Radio Two need to axe, or add to, or change formats which are working perfectly well, simply to address the notion of 'diversity'?

And more importantly, how do Ms. Wiley and Ms. Mathews feel to be moved to new shows, not because they are talented or needed, but merely because they tick a gender slot?

Any thoughts?

[Old_Geezer]

Jobs for the girls, eh ?
If what you say is so, it sounds like sexism, and I thought that wasn't allowed.

[andy-hughes]

OG - the difference between 'sexism' and 'diversity' is a complex one - it depends which gender you are moving where!!

[melv16]

I gather that Paul Jones was up for retirement anyway. I can't think of a better replacement other than Cerys Matthews.
I rarely listen to radio 2, apart from the specialized shows on after 7-00pm. Most of the other shows have tracks that I've heard many times before, accompanied with inane prattle.

[hc4361]

I love the Steve Wright shows, loathe Ross. Paul Jones has had a fair go at his show for 30 years and is very nearly 75 - maybe he's had enough.

[Islay]

Maybe just maybe they have taken a poll and it was fed back that there are not enough women on the radio!
I think you are all getting your knickers in a twist - I also notice that most of you that are complaining about this are over a certain age.
Don't like change? Then don't listen!

[douglas9401]

I say! That new Radio 2 controller's a bit bolshie!

[bednobs]

is cerys the one who is currently advertising her prog by saying she mixed the noise of a spawning haddock over the Dr who theme tune?

[andy-hughes]

Islay - // Maybe just maybe they have taken a poll and it was fed back that there are not enough women on the radio! //

I didn't say that the BBC are making the changes to up their diversity quotient because I assumed that that is the reason - they said so when they announced them. I think they are quite proud of their plans.

It's not something I have concluded because I don't like change, or because I am a 'certain age' - it's because that was why the BBC said they were changing their presenters.

[vernonk]

I agree that Steve Wright should go - I don’t know anyone who still likes his show, especially his Serious bloomin jockin. I’d also like to see the back of Chris Evans (and his wife and kids), Dermot O’Dreary, and Jo Whiney. The brilliant Simon Mayo should be left well alone. Tony Blackburn should be moved to 8am on Saturdays, and put back on Pick Of The Pops - if not him, resurrect Dale Winton. I must just add I find it hilarious that Vanessa Feltz has a reggae slot - could that by any chance be connected to her choice of men?

[vernonk]

For me, the worst PC decision is putting that Amal bloke on any show. A total talent vacuum that man

[andy-hughes]

vernonck - Yours, and others' posts, mine included, demonstrate that affections and dislikes for radio presenters are varied and deeply felt.

I entirely agree that TB should be back on Pick Of The Pops, I like Gambo, but it's patently not his style, and he never sounds comfortable doing the show.

If we are doing any resurrecting, can we skip over Dale and go straight to the peerless and always missed Alan Freeman!!

Alright? Stay bright!

[murraymints]

Ah....Fluff...God rest him...

[vernonk]

Fluff Freeman has been dead for years. Only way he could do it is by ouija board and that would be a tad dull. How bout bringing back Noel tidybeard Edmonds now he’s stopped dealing - he was a great dj

[gness]

Don't like change....then don't listen?.... Never express an opinion?....Go with what's presented?....Like it or lump it?....

Oh dear.....if that's for you, Islay fine...... but that would make me a sheep just following blindly along because I'm of a certain age... :-))
.........not for me....not in a million years!.......x

[andy-hughes]

vernonk - // How bout bringing back Noel tidybeard Edmonds now he’s stopped dealing - he was a great dj //

He was in his day, consistently inventive and clever, and a compete natural at talking through the media.

[douglas9401]

Kisses on the bottom.

[Hopkirk]

Jo Wiley is already a Radio 2 presenter.

How does moving her time change the gender balance?

Getting rid of Jonathan Ross is a bonus though.

[andy-hughes]

Hopkirk- // Jo Wiley is already a Radio 2 presenter.

How does moving her time change the gender balance? //

I can only assume it's because she will 'balance' the Drive Time show with Simon Mayo.

That' just a guess, I have no idea how the notion of 'diversity' with actions like this from the BBC is supposed to work.

[Patsy33]

Steve Wright is a national treasure. A lot of people would be very upset if he was pushed out.