Feedback

The Radio 2 breakfast show is normally captained by Chris Evans. But, during a recent absence, Richard Madeley filled the presenter chair instead - and many listeners wish he hadn't. In the first programme of the new series, Roger Bolton talks to Lewis Carnie, head of programmes at Radio 2, about the delicate business of finding suitable stand-in presenters.After countless tales of woe from listeners trying to contact programmes, Roger issues a challenge to Radio 4's network manager Denis Nowlan. Can he negotiate the website and deliver a listener's message? And will it be read? Feedback, of course, faithfully reads every message, so do send in your experiences, whether of triumph or disaster, of contacting any programme on any BBC station.And what are your hopes and fears for radio in 2012? Listeners share their aspirations, and presenter Jane Garvey provides a sneak peak of what 2012 will hold for Woman's Hour listeners. Presenter: Roger BoltonProducers: Karen Pirie and Kate Taylor A Whistledown production

Less than two years ago the BBC Asian Network faced extinction. It was spared, but now its budget is set to be cut by almost half. What will this mean for the station, and for its audience? Listener Ravinder Sondh relies on the Tommy Sandhu breakfast show to get her family out of bed in the morning, so Roger goes behind the scenes to meet Tommy and his team in the studio. Roger also talks to Husain Husaini, the Asian Network's head of programmes, about how the station will manage the cuts. Are you filling in the Delivering Quality First consultation document? If so you still have plenty of time, the deadline is 21st December 2011. But some listeners feel the document itself isn't delivering much in the way of quality; too dense, too long and too much jargon. Roger enlists the help of Marie Clair of the Plain English Campaign. And after a Radio 4 news report accidentally declares the speed of light to be many thousand times slower than it really is, Feedback sorts out all this pesky business with neutrinos and

In her first year in the job, Radio 4 controller Gwyneth Williams has instigated the biggest shake-up of the Radio 4 schedule for more than 10 years. She has cut Americana, commissioned The Life Scientific and most recently extended The World at One by 15 minutes - to the delight of some listeners and the dismay of others. She has also steered the station through the proposed Delivering Quality First cuts relatively unscathed. In this week's programme Roger asks her to explain her choices, and to reflect on her first year in the hot seat. And while Radio 4's Remembrance Day coverage is praised, some listeners feel some of the comedy broadcast in the days surrounding Remembrance Day was inappropriate. And this week's Feedback Listening Club is formed of three tenors from a community choir in Blackburn. They turn their forensic listening abilities to Woman's Hour, and (whisper it) one of them is a man...Presenter: Roger Bolton Producers: Karen Pirie and Kate Taylor A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The World at One now has 15 extra minutes to fill, following the shake-up of the afternoon schedule on Radio 4. Some listeners are delighted - others less so. Roger asks Nick Sutton, the programme's editor, what he plans to do with the time and how much investigation he has done into what the audience really wants to hear. Feedback itself will be staying the same length, but the Friday edition moves to 4:30 in the afternoon.The BBC Trust has launched a review into the impartiality of the BBC's reporting of the Arab Spring. Alison Hastings, chair of the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee, explains the reasons for the review and the scope of its inquiry.And a keen-eared listener who is also a ferret fan questions the identity of Eddie Grundy's ferret, Daphne. Judging by the sounds she makes, he accuses her of being... a guinea pig. All will be revealed.Presenter: Roger BoltonProducer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

This week Feedback drops into the Radio Academy Radio Festival in Salford. There Radio Shropshire listener Andy Boddington asks David Holdsworth, controller of English Regions, if BBC local radio can really survive the 12 per cent savings it's being asked to make under the Delivering Quality First scheme. Meanwhile in London, listener John Kennedy leads a protest outside Broadcasting House against the cuts to his beloved BBC London. Next week sees the start of the new afternoon schedule on Radio 4. As the World At One stretches to 45 minutes and other programmes shift along to make room, Feedback itself will be moving to a new time of 4:30 in the afternoon. Tony Pilgrim, Head of Planning and Scheduling, explains the thinking behind the new schedule. Plus there's a novel suggestion for how composer Philip Glass's piece Facades could spice up the Archers..Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Why were listeners' views on the two biggest news stories of last week not covered in Any Answers? Roger Bolton asks the programme's editor Clare McGinn why calls on the row over the St Paul's protest, school results and downsizing of homes left no room for listeners' views on Gaddafi's death and the proposed EU referendum. It's the beginning of the end for long wave. Tens of thousands of small-time mariners, who can't afford expensive equipment and currently rely on hearing the Shipping Forecast on long wave, will have to find other ways of checking the weather once the signal is switched off.Your verdict on Radio 4's new Sunday night schedule. Finnemore fans call for a second series of his Souvenir Programme and mixed reviews for Tonight with Rory Bremner.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

As the BBC's 40 local radio stations confront spending cuts, Roger hears your views about the impact on local democracy and community interaction. Listeners face having to share some programmes with neighbouring stations during off-peak times, and will see specialist evening programmes replaced with one England-wide show. No bad thing, say some of you. But others agree with the listener who described the plan as "destroying quality first".Roger drops into the offices of The Last Word, Radio 4's obituary programme, to find out how he can ensure his slot on the show (in the fullness of time of course).And hot on the heels of the Man Booker prize announcement, the contributors to the inaugural Feedback Listening Club cast their expert ears over Open Book. If you'd like more information about taking part in a future Listening Club, please contact the programme.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Did Radio 4 really get off that lightly in last week's BBC cuts? Roger Bolton talks to Tim Davie, the BBC's head of radio about the true impact of those Delivering Quality First proposals on news programmes in particular.The BBC has also signalled the death of longwave. Roger asks Denis Nolan, Radio 4's network manager, why alternatives can't be found, and how much will be saved by the axing of this service which is still crucial to so many listeners.Plus Feedback's Glasswatchers find another example of repeated use of minimalist composer Philip Glass's Facades, and the final instalment of "Strife and Fate" the gripping tale of a Radio 3 controller. Presented by Roger Bolton, this is the place to air your views on the things you hear on BBC Radio. This programme's content is entirely directed by you.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

"Inane", "patronising" and "cultural vandalism" are just a few of the comments you have made about the recent changes to the BBC Radio 3 schedule. This week Roger puts your concerns to controller Roger Wright, discussing new programmes including Essential Classics, and listener criticism that breakfast is sounding more like Classic FM.As the results of the "Delivering Quality First" consultation are finally announced, we'll be finding out what this cost-cutting strategy is going to mean for listeners. Roger will analyse the announcement with Torin Douglas and then discuss it's impact with Lord Patten, chair of the BBC Trust.And we introduce a brand new feature: the Feedback Listening Club. We are looking for small groups of Feedback listeners to select a BBC radio programme, listen to it, and then get together for a recorded discussion of their thoughts on their chosen programme. First up is 'Open Book'. If you're interested and would like more information, please email feedback@bbc.co.ukProducer: Karen Pirie

Is it possible to give listeners access to the riches of the BBC archive - without releasing material that was deemed acceptable when it was made but is offensive now? As you voice concerns about Orwellian attitudes, Roger ask David Jordon, director of Editorial Policy and standards what the rules are. And following a furore in the press Roger finds out if it's really no longer acceptable to use the terms AD and BC, instead of CE and BCE, on the airwaves? We celebrate the 50th birthday of In Touch, BBC Radio 4's programme for blind and partially-sighted people, and ask whether the BBC is doing enough for listeners with disabilities. Liz Carr, presenter of the irreverent podcast Ouch!, drops in on the different networks to find out what's on offer.And a listener has sent in a play-let. It's set in a dark basement, features fingernail extraction, and stars a character called Roger Wright, apparently the controller of Radio 3...Presented by Roger Bolton, this is the place to air your views on the things you hear

Does light music still have a place on the BBC? As listeners voice their doubts, Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan explains his decision to end Alan Titchmarsh's programme Melodies for You.As Americana also comes to an end over on Radio 4, Roger recalls controller Gwyneth Williams' reasons for the change and hears your reaction to the comedy which replaces it.The sounds of the past transport Roger back in time as he visits the new BBC Archive building, and hears about an ambitious project to make all the archive available in time for the BBC's 100th birthday in 2022. And as Philip Glass-watch moves into its second week, there's yet another sighting of the composer's ubiquitous piece.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Listeners' champion Roger Bolton returns with a new series of Feedback in which conflict inevitably plays its part. From seemingly wall-to-wall coverage of 9/11 to changes to the Radio 3 schedule, Roger hears your views. Got eight hours plus to spare next week? Roger finds out more about the making of Russian wartime epic "Life and Fate" which takes up all of Radio 4's drama slots next week (apart from The Archers) and he finds out how you will be listening.We'll also be asking if the BBC's new services for Libya are part of a Foreign Office political offensive. And is the BBC trying to save money by recycling Philip Glass? Listeners wonder after the same piece pops up five times in one week. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The controller of Radio 4 Gwyneth Williams takes questions directly from listeners on her recently announced plans to shake-up the schedule. Listeners tackle her on the controversial decision to cut afternoon readings from three to just one a week from next April.She also defends the axing of On The Ropes and The Choice and explains why more news is needed at lunchtime. Andy Parfitt, the controller of Radio 1 tells Roger Bolton why he is leaving the station after 13 years at the helm. And this summer, Radio 3 is making every one of its Proms concerts available in high definition. But will the sound quality be that much better?Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton gives a Feedback listener an access all areas backstage pass to the Today programme. Francesca Fenn talks to Sarah Montague, Charlotte Green and John Humphrys. Roger puts your queries to Ceri Thomas the editor of Today including length of items, gender balance and Murdoch overkill. A Feedback listener has a miserable Sunday night listening to Pick of the Week.And will the "visualisation of radio" mean early retirement for those with "a good face for radio"? Plus the World Service's Director of Global News Peter Horrocks talks about falling listeners and new funding models.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Have BBC journalists overindulged in the Murdoch meltdown? Roger Bolton puts your thoughts to Mary Hockaday the head of the BBC newsroom.What's your reaction to changes to the Radio 4 schedule? More news and more comedy? Roger finds out what's in store. And "watching" the radio - more networks are wheeling in the cameras to get their guests and presenters on screen as well as on air. But why?Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Was the Today programme interview with boxer David Haye below the belt? Many listeners felt robustness strayed unnecessarily into rudeness.Listeners query whether the fashion sense of Christine Lagarde, the new Head of the IMF, would have been scrutinised as it was on Radio 4's Profile if she was a man.And Lord Patten uses his first public lecture to announce the streamlining of the BBC complaints procedure, and substantial cuts in the pay and perks offered to the corporation's executives.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger Bolton know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The BBC complaints system needs an overhaul says an influential House of Lords Committee. Frustrated listeners agree.Roger visits the BBC Weather Centre to find out where north ends and south begins and to find out what a "sandwich of weather" is. Should forecasts substitute detail for metaphor?Hundreds of listeners have contributed to PM's Privacy Commission which is drawing a line between public interest and personal intrusion. Roger interviews the programme editor to find out how useful listener comments have been and to see what happens to all the information that's been gathered. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

What is the secret of making children's radio - which children actually want to listen to? As listeners young and old object to the loss of much of BBC children's on-air programming, Roger Bolton asks Paul Smith, Head of Editorial Standards for BBC Audio & Music, if the BBC has given up trying to find an answer. Gregory Watson, Managing Director of children's station Fun Kids and Susan Stranks of the National Campaign for Children's Radio add their views to the debate.Does BBC 6 Music really offer an alternative to more mainstream stations? If so, why is it playing so much Coldplay? Bob Shennan, controller of 6 Music, defends the playlist.And listeners have been concocting fake Radio 4 programmes on Twitter. Apparently Feedback is 30 minutes of unbearable noise.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton encounters a sticky problem on You and Yours after listeners question the validity of a nine minute report on a doughnut manufacturer. You and Yours editor Andrew Smith defends the decision. Radio 3 devotee Chris Newman joins Roger for a behind the scenes visit to a live broadcast and find out some of the unexpected things that can go wrong during a performance. And 25,000 of you submitted your Desert Island Discs - so why were only five listeners' stories featured in a special programme celebrating the public's favourite discs? Desert Island Discs editor Alice Feinstein explains why- and says she hopes there's more to come. Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Radio 5Live has been accused by its commercial rival as being too focused on footie and being weak on news. Some listeners agree and the BBC Trust says more clarity is needed. Roger asks Adrian Van Klaveren, the controller of Radio 5Live to answer your criticisms. Is there a one-size fits all to Today programme interviews? Father Ted creator Graham Linehan wonders why there are "no positions possible except diametrically opposed ones". Many of you back him up.And the endless search for new comedy talent for BBC radio. A Feedback listener gets an access all areas pass to the Radio 2 New Comedy Awards to find out what the judges are looking for.Contact the Feedback team to let Roger know what you'd like him to tackle this series about anything you've heard on BBC radio.Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.