26-05-2022, 09:42 PM
BBC Radio, including Radio 4, has already had significant cuts.
It's perhaps less noticeable as it's easy to fill the gaps with cheaper content. For example, The Westminster Hour used to have a pre-recorded feature for the last 15 minutes. Now the panel discussion continues for the full hour. Similarly, Woman's Hour used to have a regular drama feature. On the regular news programmes pre-recorded packages can be replaced with a discussion with a dial-a-quote contributor. A lot of dedicated radio reporters, like the excellent Hugh Sykes, have left.
Over on Radio 1, there was a time when it never had any repeats, nor automation but this makes up most of the overnight output. Newsbeat is now one bulletin across Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network. Even before COVID-19, outside broadcasts have been scaled back.
It's perhaps less noticeable as it's easy to fill the gaps with cheaper content. For example, The Westminster Hour used to have a pre-recorded feature for the last 15 minutes. Now the panel discussion continues for the full hour. Similarly, Woman's Hour used to have a regular drama feature. On the regular news programmes pre-recorded packages can be replaced with a discussion with a dial-a-quote contributor. A lot of dedicated radio reporters, like the excellent Hugh Sykes, have left.
Over on Radio 1, there was a time when it never had any repeats, nor automation but this makes up most of the overnight output. Newsbeat is now one bulletin across Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network. Even before COVID-19, outside broadcasts have been scaled back.