Feedback Fails Again

[Lawrence Jones]

Whilst Home Truths was never a programme that appealed to me, I was always very impressed at the strength of its following. Also, the praise heaped upon David Stafford couldn’t be ignored, given the broadcasting stature of JP.

I didn’t expect Mr. Damazer to backtrack during the interview with him on Friday’s Feedback. However I was at a loss to understand the failure of Mr. Bolton didn’t ask him why it is that HT is sacked off, yet Quote Unquote stays. It’s clear that the listening figures don’t justify the continuation of the latter and the MB postings - over a 5 year period - make it clear that it’s probably the most disliked programme on R4. My own suspicion is that the establishment – controllers, commissioning editors and the people of the south enjoy it and that’s why it stays. Anyone else got an interesting thesis?

[Crusoe]

Lawrence said:

Whilst Home Truths was never a programme that appealed to me, I was always very impressed at the strength of its following. Also, the praise heaped upon David Stafford couldn’t be ignored, given the broadcasting stature of JP.

I think that so much of “Home Truths” ended up being centred around stories of John Peel’s family and so much of the style was dependent upon his dry delivery and understanding interviews that it was unlikely to last long without him. I do think that David Stafford is a very affable presenter and makes a good job of presenting the show but it’s not the same. I think the decision to axe the programme was a sensible one although it’s understandable that it has built up a large following and a lot of people are upset to see it go.

“Quote Unquote”? I can’t think why it continues. I suppose the combination of pointless quiz and mirthless “quips” is, at least, unique. But it is such an anachronism that it is even pilloried on other R4 programmes. I suspect, however, that you have a point in one of your postings elsewhere on the board in which talk about jobs for life on R4. The makers and presenter of “Quote Unquote” are part of the Old Boys’ (and Girls’) Network in the BBC. I suppose it’s cheap to make, as well.

I can assure you, though, that none of the southerners of my acquaintance particularly enjoy it.