PERFORMANCE
Radio continued
LOCAL AND NATIONS RADIO
Our local and nations radio services root us in our
communities. Outside broadcasts are an important point
of connection with audiences, and are often scheduled
to coincide with local summer shows, festivals and other
community events.
England
Listeners tell us how much they value our ability to pull
together those in need in a time of crisis, and offer support,
advice and practical help: a woman calling BBC Northampton
to say that her father’s funeral was going to be postponed
because the council had not gritted her road prompted scores
of listeners offering help. This was just one of many stories
during the severe weather we broadcast and often played
a part in, the length and breadth of the country.
And when big stories break, BBC Local Radio is a natural
2-22 home for public debate. As Kraft moved in to buy Cadbury,
BBC WM hosted an ongoing public discussion on radio about
Performance
the future of the company, culminating in a live debate in
Bournville during which the audience put their questions
to a panel including Lord Digby Jones.
1 4
2 3
Many projects this year benefited from a new ‘impact fund’
that enabled stations to tackle key pieces of explanatory
and investigative journalism either individually or with other
stations: Facing the Cuts used a BBC survey of council
spending plans as the focus for hundreds of stories across
all media including on-air debates, a comparative map and
content on each of our websites.
Each week, reach for BBC Local Radio in England stands at
7.0 million listeners – including 2.5 million people who consume
no other BBC radio service.
Scotland
A creative year for BBC Scotland’s radio teams was rewarded
with a slew of awards and nominations, including Gold and
Bronze in the prestigious Sony Radio Academy Awards.
The month-long season of programmes – Under the
Influence – examined Scotland’s social and cultural relationship
with alcohol and the drama Daniel & Mary focused on
the problems of a young girl dealing with alcoholic parents.
Another season – 30 Days in Europe – explored Scotland’s
links with the continent.
Across our nations and radio services, our
programming roots us in our communities, offering
entertainment and information, and providing a
familiar platform for listeners’ stories and concerns.
Photos show:
1 Cathy MacDonald hosts Feasgar on BBC Radio
nan Gàidheal.
2 The Stephen Nolan Show from BBC Radio Ulster –
Stephen also has a show on BBC Radio 5 live.
3 Beti George, who celebrated 25 years of Beti a’I
Phobl on BBC Radio Cymru this year.
4 Local Kent band Floors and Walls live on BBC Radio
Kent’s Introducing…