Afternoon tea, and a chat about the BBC

Here's a Twitter chat that might be of interest to you:

Emily Kate: The politicisation of R4's output is quite mind-boggling. There seems to be no programme left without some political issue being dragged in (eg, today - migrants). I listen in quite rarely these days, but even when I do, just for an hour, it is very noticeable. Is this what media was like under communism? How does one of the greatest radio stations in the world, loved at home, envied around the world, descend to this level of patronising student agitprop in such a short space of time?

Ben Cobley: On Radio 4. I used to listen almost religiously. Now: I never listen.

Graeme Archer: I stopped listening years ago (an early de-adopter). The R4 of my entire life was suddenly consumed by a sickness of preaching that rendered it unbearable. First they came for the 6.30pm comedy, then they took everything else. Switch it off. They can’t ruin music.

Graham Applin: I’m afraid it’s getting like that with Radio 3.

Graeme Archer: Agree. I’ve also (very sadly) deleted it. Sometimes I look up ‘soundz’ and pick a concert (and do the same with plays, those made pre-2010). But - this applies to every radio station actually - you’ve still got to sit through the news bulletins. The ones who use Sky are the worst.

Graham Applin: It’s their promotion of obscure 19th century female composers purely on the basis of forced diversity which particularly irritates.

Ben Cobley: The way the BBC has voluntarily butchered itself is a national tragedy.

Amanda: I’m sensing some recognition from within the BBC. Some attempt to redress. Such as The Nolan Podcast on Stonewall, Woman’s Hour trying to regain its voice for female listeners. I agree much of the once great parts are unrecoverable.

Emily Kate: I think the trans issue is a bit of an outlier, which is why the BBC (eventually) felt brave enough to represent the other side. So many people 'on their own side' felt very angry about this. I don't think the balance will be replicated on other issues, I'm afraid. It was incredible how Woman's Hour, for eg, ignored or danced around this issue for years until other people had done all the hard work and made it 'OK' to talk about.

Ben Cobley: Yes, we have similar thoughts. I think this is down to the relative weakness of the trans lobby (whose political successes have been remarkably swift but largely built on sand). On racial and other forms of identity ideology, it's full steam ahead within the BBC.

Jacqueline Benson: I stopped watching TV about 3 years ago as the social re-engineering agenda was very clear. The only BBC radio programme I listen to is 'In our Time'. Sadly, even Radio 3 has fallen victim to their agenda-driven programming.

Amanda: Yes. I find it ironic that BBC Sounds - which was developed at enormous expense to target the “podcast” digital generations (millennials/Zoomers) - is what enables me to pick at the bones of the BBC for decent content.

Pirate Prentice: On Radio 4. I couldn't agree more, I've turned it into a game, where I turn it on randomly during the day and then see how long until they squeeze an agenda in. It's sometimes literally seconds before you hear it. I think my record is 1 second.

Emily Kate: My experience is very similar. It's a shame. R4 in particular was the soundtrack to my life. I had it on all day long, and much of the evening too. Not anymore,