The Late Paul Barnes - What Radio 2 Should Be Playing Every Day

johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
Forum Member
✭✭✭
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/networks/norfolk/aod.shtml?norfolk/paul_barnes_norfolk

Two hours of intelligent, thought provoking, varied, swinging music that matters, presented by an acknowledged, expert , professional broadcaster.

From jazz to big bands, popular as opposed to 'pop' vocalists, light music, British dance bands, occasional comedy and steam trains - this unique show, broadcast every Saturday from 11pm on BBC Essex, Kent, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Northampton, Threee Counties, & Suffolk, as well as on the web at the above address.

This is what Radio Two should be providing us with, instead of wall to wall insignificat pop all day. Diana Krall instead of Lily Allen. Billie Holiday instead of Pixie Lott.

A real show with a creative varied and imaginative playlist
«13456

Comments

  • JELLIES0JELLIES0 Posts: 6,709
    Forum Member
    I have often said that the best radio programming comes from the local stations and (what should I call them devolved nations ? ) BBC Radios Scotland, Ulster and Wales.
    Ian Anderson's programme on BBC Scotland is one of my favourites. Radio 2 is all about maximising audience figures by going for the LCD. This is why they often engage famous names who don't necessarily have much talent for broadcasting, but are more interested in their own egos.
    The BBC will never ever listen though.
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    JELLIES0 wrote: »
    I have often said that the best radio programming comes from the local stations and (what should I call them devolved nations ? ) BBC Radios Scotland, Ulster and Wales.....
    The BBC will never ever listen though.
    They may be forced to listen. See thread on censorship on this site
  • Mapperley RidgeMapperley Ridge Posts: 9,922
    Forum Member
    You know at first this looked like quite a constructive thread about specialist music shows. Then at the first opportunity it turned into another Radio 2 bashing thread. Then "the BBC never listens" etc...

    How about "some people will never learn" instead?
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    You know at first this looked like quite a constructive thread about specialist music shows. Then at the first opportunity it turned into another Radio 2 bashing thread. Then "the BBC never listens" etc...

    How about "some people will never learn" instead?

    Why did you not contribute something constructive about specialist shows?

    I'm listening to Paul's show as I write this. It is radio of the highest qualityand like last night's Proms, a jewel in the crown of the BBC.

    I also listened to Richard Spendlove on the same station this evening, which although not a pure music show - he has phone-ins - played music from the 50s. Although this is not my favourite music - nor can it be considered to be of the same creative quality of a Duke Ellington or a Billie Holiday, still made for pleasurable listening. Some of the songs were soppy - 'Lipstick on your Collar' by Connie Francis is an example, they caused me no pain. Listening to the Radio 2 Playlist on the other hand was like going to Purgatory.
  • Mapperley RidgeMapperley Ridge Posts: 9,922
    Forum Member
    Why did you not contribute something constructive about specialist shows?

    I do. I have often defended Radio 1 against various calls for privatisation using their specialist music shows and festival coverage as prime examples.

    I also think that the weekend music documentaries on Smooth (and Real?) are great listening, and I praise GMG for thinking outside the commercial radio box in commissioning them.
  • John WJohn W Posts: 861
    Forum Member
    ✭✭
    You know at first this looked like quite a constructive thread about specialist music shows. Then at the first opportunity it turned into another Radio 2 bashing thread. Then "the BBC never listens" etc...

    How about "some people will never learn" instead?

    Mapperley,

    It's thanks to johnpetters that I've discovered Paul Barnes' radio show, excellent presenter, and it's great to hear fine stylish music rarely heard on BBC national stations.

    I only get to hear Paul on the net, not ideal for such great music. Paul's show is a good example of what Radio 2 could provide nationally for a huge sector of potential afternoon audience that really has no FM radio to listen to in the daytime.


    John W
  • Murray MintMurray Mint Posts: 9,129
    Forum Member
    Not another Paul Barnes thread? :rolleyes:

    You already have Clare Teal on Radio 2 who played Barnes' music. Desmond Carrington and Russell Davies do also.
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    John W wrote: »
    Mapperley,

    It's thanks to johnpetters that I've discovered Paul Barnes' radio show, excellent presenter, and it's great to hear fine stylish music rarely heard on BBC national stations.

    I only get to hear Paul on the net, not ideal for such great music. Paul's show is a good example of what Radio 2 could provide nationally for a huge sector of potential afternoon audience that really has no FM radio to listen to in the daytime.


    John W

    I'd fogotten that message from Mapperley. I either missed it or decided it was not worth responding to.
    I'm glad to have been the instrument to your enjoying Paul.
    He is just the type of presenter Radio 2 should be courting.
    I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's offering.
  • old pilotold pilot Posts: 1,910
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    If Paul Barnes was any good he would not be doing the grave yard shift on grave yard local Norfolk.

    Wogan is about the same age but sound 30 years younger.

    Paul Barnes had his chance years ago when if he was any good he would have been a regular on national stations.

    BBC local radio is stuffed with old has beens like Judi Spiers.

    Bring on the youngsters:rolleyes:
  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    BBC Local Radio is targeted at an older audience than Radio 2. If you look at the whole of BBC Radio (including R4 etc.), it's audience is very heavily drawn from much older people. In fact, the over 65s listen almost exclusively to BBC radio and not commercial. In the interest of public service fairness, perhaps Scott Petters should start arguing for the BBC to provide more for younger people as they are the most disenfranchised from The BBC.
  • Dave FMDave FM Posts: 1,150
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    here we go again......
  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    I see ole Scottie's in the cooler!:p
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    old pilot wrote: »
    If Paul Barnes was any good he would not be doing the grave yard shift on grave yard local Norfolk.
    So you think anyone on local radio is no good?


    old pilot wrote: »
    Wogan is about the same age but sound 30 years younger.

    Paul Barnes had his chance years ago when if he was any good he would have been a regular on national stations.
    Paul has actually had an impressive career,. including his own TV show. He is also an acclaimed film maker and a writer, so I think you are jumping to the wrong conclusions.
    old pilot wrote: »
    BBC local radio is stuffed with old has beens like Judi Spiers.

    Bring on the youngsters:rolleyes:

    So young is always better eh? Typical ageist remark.
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    BBC Local Radio is targeted at an older audience than Radio 2. If you look at the whole of BBC Radio (including R4 etc.), it's audience is very heavily drawn from much older people. In fact, the over 65s listen almost exclusively to BBC radio and not commercial. In the interest of public service fairness, perhaps Scott Petters should start arguing for the BBC to provide more for younger people as they are the most disenfranchised from The BBC.

    I'm sorry Andy, you are 180 degrees out of phase here. As it happens, Paul's show is the ONLY show on the BBC of its kind, having the breadth of music it has. There are jazz programmes, nostalgia shows and others on various local stations, but I believe Paul's show is unique because of its range.

    The music choice on offer during the day is appalling and offers little in variation to the continuous pop on Radio 2.
    It is no surprise that older audiences listen in the main to BBC radio because the commercials, give or take a Classic FM are even worse.

    Radio 4 or 5Live are my natural stations, with 3, 2 for the few specialist shows and Classic FM.

    Your argument that younger people are disenfranchised is incorrect. They have a national network, Radio 1 and a large amount of the output of Radio 2.

    Depends of course what you define as younger.
    My fist name is John - but I think you know that already.
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    This coming week's show will have a mini feature on pianist singer, Cleo Brown, a for-runner of such singer pianists as Nellie Lutcher, Blossom Dearie and latterly Diana Krall.

    Cleo made some great records in the mid 30s, some with Gene Krupa on drums.

    An engaging and interesting performer.

    I bet Radio 2 won't mark her centenary.
  • old pilotold pilot Posts: 1,910
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    So you think anyone on local radio is no good?
    Paul has actually had an impressive career,. including his own TV show. He is also an acclaimed film maker and a writer, so I think you are jumping to the wrong conclusions.
    So young is always better eh? Typical ageist remark.

    Not at all but this thread is all about Paul Barnes having a Radio 2 show.

    I've got all the same credits as Paul and a lot more and I'm only 59 but I would not put myself on air. As a former senior BBC programmer I would say Paul is in the right place for his audience. He has had his time just like I have had and dozens others. Do you really want DLT,Paul Burnett,Rosko etc?


    I can tell you as a senior BBC local radio person from some years that after 7.00pm the phones stop ringing.

    My son is now doing his MA in broadcast journalism and I have advised him that his first project is to take a big axe to huge chunks of local radio when he joins the BBC.
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    old pilot wrote: »
    I can tell you as a senior BBC local radio person from some years that after 7.00pm the phones stop ringing.
    I don't think so!
    There is no phone access to Paul's show, yet he often mentions that people are trying to call in.

    I don't think Richard Spendlove suffers from a lack of calls either on his show, which precedes Paul's.
  • old pilotold pilot Posts: 1,910
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    If there is no access to phone in on Paul Barnes show how come he says they are ringing in? His mobile perhaps?

    Be careful here because the days of lying at the BBC are gone.

    I can tell you phone in callers are so rare on some BBC local radio shows that the same callers go on air every day.

    The ratings for BBC local are so low they drop of the scale.
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    old pilot wrote: »
    If there is no access to phone in on Paul Barnes show how come he says they are ringing in? His mobile perhaps?

    Be careful here because the days of lying at the BBC are gone.

    He has said he can see the lines are ringing and then announces there is no access - onlt by e-mail. Quite simple.

    Are the days of lying at the BBC really over?
  • old pilotold pilot Posts: 1,910
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    He has said he can see the lines are ringing and then announces there is no access - onlt by e-mail. Quite simple.

    Are the days of lying at the BBC really over?

    No but how does he know they are for him?

    Just because the phone panel is lit does not mean there is a call there. (Might be Helen asking him to bring a takeaway home:)

    The boy is in the graveyard shift and clutching at straws.

    When I was in Liverpool in the mid seventies we had an audience...in Norfolk approaching 2010 Paul is probably broadcasting to turkey sheds in his time slot.
  • johnpettersjohnpetters Posts: 1,548
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    old pilot wrote: »
    No but how does he know they are for him?

    Just because the phone panel is lit does now mean there is a call there.

    The boy is in the graveyard shift and clutching at straws.

    When I was in Liverpool in the mid seventies we had an audience...in Norfolk approaching 2010 Paul is probably broadcasting to turkey sheds in his time slot.

    I can't see what the deal is here. If people are ringing Radio Norfolk at 11PM at night, they are hardly going to be calling the office are they?

    Your comment about turkey sheds is quite frankly daft.

    The show is broadcast on Cambridgeshire, Essex, Kent, Norfolk, Northampton, Suffolk & Three Counties. That is a huge are of the country.

    He gets e-mails from listeners in far flung countries, each week, as well as local responses.

    I f you are now going to suggest he is faking those, then you are deluding yourself.

    Back in January he did a Krupa Centemnary show and I was a guest in the studio and saw these myself.

    I have no idea why you seem to have a beef with Paul and I don't think it is constructive to continue this conversation with you.
  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    old pilot wrote: »
    No but how does he know they are for him?

    Just because the phone panel is lit does not mean there is a call there. (Might be Helen asking him to bring a takeaway home:)

    The boy is in the graveyard shift and clutching at straws.

    When I was in Liverpool in the mid seventies we had an audience...in Norfolk approaching 2010 Paul is probably broadcasting to turkey sheds in his time slot.

    That's a stupid and unkind thing to say.

    Firstly, Paul Barnes' show is broadcast across Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Norfolk. A rather substantial potential audience, especially when compared to just the singular city of Liverpool.

    Secondly, these stations have a good listenership, especially in those later hours. The listening profile is that listening dips after 7pm but lifts again substantially after 10pm, particularly amongst the older age groups that Mr. Petters has often talked about.

    Perhaps you could retract and apologise for your nasty and inaccurate statement?
  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭

    It is no surprise that older audiences listen in the main to BBC radio because the commercials, give or take a Classic FM are even worse.

    Well then, you can't really argue that The BBC is not offering anything distinct from commercial radio can you.
  • old pilotold pilot Posts: 1,910
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    That's a stupid and unkind thing to say.

    Firstly, Paul Barnes' show is broadcast across Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Norfolk. A rather substantial potential audience, especially when compared to just the singular city of Liverpool.

    Secondly, these stations have a good listenership, especially in those later hours. The listening profile is that listening dips after 7pm but lifts again substantially after 10pm, particularly amongst the older age groups that Mr. Petters has often talked about.

    Perhaps you could retract and apologise for your nasty and inaccurate statement?

    It's broadcast across those stations because no one is listening.

    I could present a similar show using a soul/70's format and get the same reaction. Sitting in a room playing music that a handful of people want to hear is a lonely life.

    I can tell you as a former BBC staff man that the listeners drop of the dial to the point where you cannot record them after 8.00pm.

    I don't know Paul but I have encountered similar campaigns from late night/weekend presenters in the past. The big knife is coming to BBC local radio and it will be wielded by the next generation.

    I think I'd advise anyone on the graveyard shift to avoid titles like his:rolleyes:
  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    old pilot wrote: »
    It's broadcast across those stations because no one is listening.

    I could present a similar show using a soul/70's format and get the same reaction. Sitting in a room playing music that a handful of people want to hear is a lonely life.

    I can tell you as a former BBC staff man that the listeners drop of the dial to the point where you cannot record them after 8.00pm.

    I don't know Paul but I have encountered similar campaigns from late night/weekend presenters in the past.

    I think I'd advise anyone on the graveyard shift to avoid titles like his:rolleyes:
    I think you might find that those stations do pretty well on Saturday evenings, don't forget listening behaviour is very different in 2010 in these areas then they were in a city like Liverpool 30 years ago. Richard Spendlove's show does pretty well also.

    My contention is that these off-peak hours are when The BBC should be putting out these specialist programmes. Those people who do have an interest in these niche programmes can make an appointment to listen at these times. This is a key part of The BBC's public service obligations.

    The other side of the BBC's public service role is to provide value for money on a cost per listener basis. This it fulfills during the daytime by providing mainstream but distinct programming. I'm very glad to hear that this content will become even more challenging, ambitious and socially valuable on R2. The enhancement of R2's daytime speech content which David Liddiment has outlined is extremely encouraging.
Sign In or Register to comment.