5 live success at the Sony Awards

The discredited clutch at untruths

Simon is looking daggers at AV-K. He wanted a joint nomination with the good Dr.



As there is nowhere else to post this, may I ask whether once Radio Five is controlled from Salford, will the BBC be moving the Government up there to make it convenient for the production team to be all together with the Breakfast, Vicky and Drive presenters? (As with Mr Nolan and his trips to Manc.)

Steve, we have no idea about BBC expenses as the Corporation refuses to publish them.



Oh to the awards. Can you please publish the submission to the awards. I'd be curious to hear the award winning entry.

Station of the Year!

Viva Adrian Van Klaveren

Viva Logan, Murray and Bacon

Hello Radio 4, BBC World Service and sometimes even TalkSPORT.

[Danny Kelly or Colin Murray]

People will talk about me being a toady of the Beeb Steve.



However it is a good point about where breaking news is to be found and I can guarantee it will never be in Salford, so why pay Nolan to go there every week?

I have decided that there is no point in continuing to comment. Bowbrick your attempts to defend the indefensible are laughable but I don't find it funny, nor this award because by AV-Ks own admissions, the station does now concentrate more on celebrity rather than real news. It is a pity that the coverage of the last week (with notable exceptions from the usual suspects) serious, in depth, appropriate, cannot continue and we might see a return of Five to the decent station it once was instead of the celebrity driven, frothy rubbish that is delivered by certain presenters under politburo instructions of their editors who in turn follow the (mis) direction of AV-K.

Adrian Van-Klaveren dont let the negative posters undermine what a great achievment this is for 5live.



The usual suspects are coming with the usual tedious cliches,but to them i say 5live is on the way up and non of your banal gobbledygook is going to stop that.



Viva 5live

Viva Adrian Van Klaveren

Post 8 - written on the way to work in M17 1PL

Haha Carrie. Most likely. I notice we have yet to hear the awards entry. Would be interesting to hear how closely that mirrors the station we know.

It must be based on last year.

There is no way that even the most biased of judges could have voted for it on the strength of the clap-trap that's been on the airwaves in 2010.

Fedster is definitely a stooge from the Beeb PR dept.

Just a quick message to those wishing to discuss the station. The Guardian has a blog asking readers what they think of 5Live on it's TV and Radio section.

Jackstumps is that going to be your response whenever someone defends 5live?



Its pathetic it really is.



You and others seem to have convinced yourselves that just because the 5live blog is full of negative comments,that suddenly means a large chunck of the audience are unhappy,but the reality is comments made by the clique on this blog,are nothing more than rants by a very small number of people when you look at the bigger picture.

"I think you're on to something. Once the Salford move is out of the way, all major UK institutions should be invited to move in next-door to the new 5 live offices in order to keep travel expenses to a minimum"



It would certainly save the tax payer a fortune in rents/property costs/etc!!!

"People will talk about me being a toady of the Beeb Steve."



I always knew your were a stooge - a plant - Carrie!!!



;-)



Astute move on R5Ls part, though - sending John Pienaar out to babysit Bacon on College Green.

Well I read the Guardian blog and think that they were mostly in agreement with posters on these blogs. If I could remember my password I would post on there myself. I did say mostly, Fedster.



I suspect the licence payers paid for the DJs, dress and cabs home for that lot in the pic, after all they would be legitimate expenses.....................not.

Very well deserved, I live in Vancouver (8 hours behind GMT) and don’t sleep much. So I pretty much listen to every program on BBC-5 and thoroughly enjoy them all. So many excellent presenters it would be unfair to only list a few but I am going to anyways…Bacon, Peter Allen, Nolan, Shelagh, Aasmah, Mayo, Murray, Victoria, Sharp, Dotun, Livesey, Pienaar, and of course the Good Doctor.



I bought a smart phone just to listen to 5-live when I am out of the office. 5-live is a million times better than any station in North America, don’t take it for granted. Thank you so much to all 5-live staff :)

In response to post #11, I checked on the Sony Awards page and the period covered is for the Year to 31 December 2009. That explains the award of the prize then. I don't think it will be retained next year with the current lightweight line up.

Can you find any comments on the Rajars released today on Radio Five? No? I think there has been a 0.10% rise in listeners on the same period as last year. Radio 6 is the winner in the news. They have had the figures for a few days so why no comments? Oh I know, we have to give the new set up a year to settle in.

"the reality is comments made by the clique on this blog, are nothing more than rants by a very small number of people ...."



Seems like a rant from one of the very few to me!

Quite right Carrie, very quiet on the Rajars, particularly as the BBC gets them a day ahead of public release to reading the propaganda machine.



Can we please have cume and share numbers by daypart for, lets say, all people 25-49 for the Q1 2010 survey AND the Q1 2009. It will be an interesting study. Otherwise I'll have to ask one of my media planning chums to see if they can rustle up the numbers.



I'm thinking in the station will be skewing younger and in 25-49 demographic in some dayparts in particular the station will have taken a big hit compared with a year ago.

BREAKFAST SHOW-VERY GOOD, IN FACT, KEEP NICKY ON TILL 12 ! V.D. , OK, BUT CAN BE ANNOYING. GABBY LOGAN, OK ON TV, BUT NOT SUITED TO 5LIVE, R. BACON - NO!!!!! THOUGHT HE WAS OK ON FROM 10PM, NOT THAT I LISTENED VERY OFTEN, BUT PLEASE, IS THEIR ANY WAY SIMON CAN COME BACK ? SOME PARTS OF HIS SHOW ARE A JOKE, THE 'HELP' SECTION FOR EXAMPLE.

DRIVE - EXCELLENT, MAINLY DUE TO PETER ALLEN.

COLIN MURRAY- FINE ON F.T. BUT NOW ONE OF THE MAIN PRESENTERS ON SPORT- JOKE!!!!!

ALSO AGREE THAT 5LIVE SEEMS TO BE MAINLY ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT.

Someone once said "no-one ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the public". For money you can substitute listeners or popularity. 5Live is now aimed at the lowest common denominator and those whose standards are higher than this have been disenfranchised.

Thoroughly well deserved award. The recent election coverage has been fantastic! Particularly great were Nicky Campbell, Richard Bacon and Peter Allen. I'd also single out the incomparable John Pienaar. His often amusing, always brilliant analysis has been a joy to listen to :)

Although, to be fair, Bacons contributions to the election coverage that I heard involved him being hand-held by John Pienaar. God alone knows what he'd have been asking MPs on College Green, or inviting us to text in about, if JP hadn't been there to shepherd him through it!

Fedster #14 ... you said ... "You and others seem to have convinced yourselves that just because the 5live blog is full of negative comments,that suddenly means a large chunck of the audience are unhappy, but the reality is comments made by the clique on this blog,are nothing more than rants by a very small number of people when you look at the bigger picture."



No-one is suggesting that the views here are wholly held by all 5Live listeners. They are our points of view. This forum is a discussion and people with varying points of view are free to contribute their thoughts. I am sure there are many people who are happy with the trivialisation, the loss of Simon Mayo, the introduction of Gabby Logan, the elevation of Richard Bacon, and the near monopoly of 5Live sport by Colin Murray. Those who are delighted with these changes can contribute their thoughts as can those who are not.



You seem to favour a utopian world where there are dissenting voices, no critique of the station and no accountability.



If we didn't care about the station we wouldn't comment. You are doing a great job trumpeting what you see as the successes too.



Slowly we are making progress, I asked for the Sony entry to be posted which we have had, we're slowly getting more transparency and openness on the blog, the posts and contributions have rocketed in recent months -- shame on this so-called 'clique' indeed -- more people discussing the radio station can only be a good thing can't it?



Or perhaps not.

Steve - that is one of the most enlightening responses Fedster's minority have had. We are glad you are listening. We are glad you are responding in non PR speak .... but I should not have course use the royal 'we'. Any case, I am glad. More nugget's to follow, but as you point out, let's keep it zesty, spikey, good humoured and civil.

As for my views being in a minority, that maybe is true, but the reason for this is probably because the 1000+ people, who read this blog, are put of defending 5live and commenting on the blog because of the hostile environment, and not wanting to be called a “stooge” and other silly names for simply defending the BBC.



On to Ryanw who said “No-one is suggesting that the views here are wholly held by all 5Live listeners” that is simply untrue, this blog is littered with posters who think there negative views are so important and valid, that they must be held by the majority of listeners, and a few posters actually believe there claptrap so much that they are convinced awards are “fixed” in 5lives favour.



Remember Carries comment:



“Steve, Steve, Steve. The Radio Academy is hardly a neutral to the BBC now is it? Of course it's a fix”



Talk about an arrogant point of view.



Again I emphasize it defies logic to have unpopular presenters/shows so why does station controller after station controller stick with same presenters? Could it possibly that other audience research is more important and valid, than the bitter rants of a few vocal members on Blogs?

"I emphasize it defies logic to have unpopular presenters/shows so why does station controller after station controller stick with same presenters?"



Um, some of the more popular/grown-up presenters have recently fallen by the wayside - Mayo, for example.

Yes but my point is the last 3 controllers have stuck with the likes of Bacon,Nolan and Derbyshire, who seem to get the most complaints from the Clique.



The reason the last 3 station controllers have stuck with them is obvious,the majority of listeners enjoy the debating style of Nolan, the wit of Bacon and the rather unque Derbyshire.



No 1 can deny on this blog that all the aforementioned are popular presenters with large audiences, thats why the BBC have stuck with them for so long.

I would contend that the Sony Radio "Academy" (where did that bit really come from?) is not a neutral place.



Praise where praise is due, I always give praise if I am personally informed or entertained and have enjoyed a programme. So I have recently praised Vicky (who I also criticise from time to time), Livesey (ditto), although I have not listened more than five minutes to Nolan and I could complain about that - have you heard that shouty advert? -he hasn't changed. I often have to listen to Murray as my family are sport nuts and you can't avoid him. I like Bacon, everyone knows I stick up for him. Which makes me a very minority voice. When I read scathing comments about him I do not go off the deep end like some I could mention. I have always loved Drive. I am therefore hardly a critic of the entire output.

Fedster, who is in "the clique" you speak of?



You were critical of Carrie -- "“Steve, Steve, Steve. The Radio Academy is hardly a neutral to the BBC now is it? Of course it's a fix” Talk about an arrogant point of view."



I don't know if Awards are a fix, but she is 100% correct that The Radio Academy is not neutral. The Awards committee contain a number of people paid by the BBC or who rely on the BBC for programme funding. You can count them up here: https://www.radioawards.org/aboutus/committee.php?1 -- and it is lead by Tim Blackmore who is ex BBC and works for a company has a siginificant number of commercial contracts with the BBC. This does not mean they are bias, but lets be clear many have a commercial interest with the BBC.



Richard Bacon, Tony Livesey and Gabby Logan are effectively new to 5Live. These are the current controllers appointments. He has also chosen to take a "comedian" and DJ and make him the primary sports anchor on Friday nights and weekends. Colin Murray's contribution has expanded significantly in the last 12 months. These decisions are all recent during the tenure of this Controller, they have not met with acclaim from many critics (have you read the newspaper columns that are continually cited here?). It is not true to say that they this talent has enjoyed the support of the 5Live controllers since time began. Their contributions to the station are either new or have grown significantly in many cases.



I'm pleased Carrie has also pointed out that she often praises good programmes, top talent, great interviews etc. Perhaps you've forgotten.



Lastly, let's lament the loss of former 5Live lineups (via https://web.archive.org%29



13 January 2008



06:00 Breakfast - Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogarty

09:00 Victoria Derbyshire

12:00 The Midday News - Aasmah Mir

13:00 Simon Mayo

16:00 Drive - Peter Allen and Anita Anand

19:00 5 live Sport - Mark Pougatch

22:00 Stephen Nolan



14 February 2007



06:00 Breakfast - Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogarty

09:00 Matthew Bannister

12:00 The Midday News - Aasmah Mir

13:00 Simon Mayo

16:00 Drive - Peter Allen and Rachel Burden

19:00 Five Live Sport - Mark Saggers

22:00 Anita Anand



14 July 2006



06:00 Breakfast - Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogarty

09:00 Victoria Derbyshire

12:00 The Midday News - Aasmah Mir

13:00 Simon Mayo

16:00 Drive - Jane Garvey and Peter Allen

19:00 Five Live Sport - Mark Saggers

22:00 Anita Anand

"the wit of Bacon"



Is that what you call it...?

“Fedster, who is in "the clique" you speak of?”



The old Station Message board was closed because as Brett Spencer said “Our previous station board was not good value for money. When we closed it there were only 50 unique posters a week. We could not justify the resource in maintaining it for such a small user base. I think you will like the new approach when we launch”



Many of those posters are on this blog under those nicknames they used on the 5live station board and under new pseudonyms on this blog. It seems similar discussions which brought the Station Board to its death are being repeated here again and again and again.



Obviously not all the critics were members of the station board, but I bet many are.

I think this blog is on topic as it allows discussion on the awards and quality of the station, before Steve closes it as off topic.



Fedster, if you have an opinion about anything at the BBC, it is quite within your rights to post on it. The fact that the same people with similar views post does not make them a clique. The fact that there are more adverse comments than you would like to read is because those who post critically are hoping that somewhere amongst the comments may be one that clicks with those who have the power at the station to think a little about what is said on here. In fact I see the adverse comments as positive because it can improve or enlighten something if you give feedback. Presumably you don't feel upset about theatre or film critics giving a strident point of view you don't agree with - Kermode for example, who is very opinionated but when the public see the films he has criticised they are not of the same opinion.



We are not always negative on this board and in many ways I think what has been suggested by ryanw particularly, has been taken up and has opened up AV-K to thinking that he has a listenership who cares. But the fact that there are not huge numbers on here posting is because deliberately we have been excluded from posting our own opinions and waiting to see if others agree. One does not feel encouraged to contribute if you can see there is no response and that would be why new people don't come on here. That and the fact that it is almost impossible to find the place to put comments unless you stumble on to the blogs - you can't say that they are as heavily advertised as, say, the Have your Say comment pages, although they should be.

Hey Steve, here is my suggestion.....



On the top of your home page, where you have your station identification, you have sections including programmes, schedule, news etc. If you had one that said Blog, or Station Blog, as well as the little one in the box at the base of the home page, you would advertise the existence of the access for listeners and fans- yes we are all fans otherwise we wouldn't bother - to keep in touch with the station.



All the best, carrie.

"I want to try to bring a halt to the Radio Academy bashing, though."



But... But... But I haven't had a turn yet!



;-)

Steve, get rid of "Life" in the top navigation and replace it with "Discuss", "Debate" or "Blogs".



That would show intent.

I think even the saintly Piennar came close to losing it with Bacon today. I tuned in because I was interested in what happened to Bercow.



Malcolm Rifkind gave a speech recommending him to the house. There were some yeas and some No's.



Bacon's comments after this just exemplified why his talents are suited to C-Beebies or similar. "Oh - wasn't that speech soooo boringg - like a boringgg after dinner speech" Piennar interjected. That didn't stop puerile Streaky. "But it's all so old fashioned - why isn't it modden (sic)?". (Presumably he thinks that Members should just use twitter whilst in the chamber)



Piennar again patiently tried to explain how Parliament works etc etc.



For goodness sake A V-K - Bacon clearly isn't up to 'grown-up' discourse, subjects or analysis. It really was embarrassing and pathetic to listen to and I bet the programme received quite a few complaints.

Agreed Sarns.



Whatever happened to grown ups on the radio? At least he said he felt uncomfortable carrying on with a TV review having broken the news of the two little children dead in Spain.

I have tried several times on blogs or boards to make my feelings known about Mr Bacon and his complete inability to present an adult current affairs programme. Today his "remarks" about Mr Rifkind and parliament were the most dire yet. I heard it in the car and when at home watched a recording on television to see if I had possibly missed anything.

No, it was a very dignified House of Commons experience where no less than ex Speaker Boothroyd complimented Rifkind on his speech.

When on earth is someone going to remove this man from his present position?

As John Reid might say, "not fit for purpose".

Same goes for Phil Williams who thought it quite acceptable to ask Rachel Burden about an iphone app that records a woman's menstrual cycle.

He and Bacon both remind me of the Tom Hanks character in "Big" - a boy in a man's body.

Jeffrey Archer (just now) clearly irritated with the puerile Bacon.



After yet another childish comment by Bacon, Archer came back with:



"Oh for goodness sake! I thought this was the BBC - not some fly-by-night organisation with a young man desperate to make his name - don't be so silly!".



I have to say I cheered out loud!



STOP acting like a pre-teen with an attention span of 3 seconds - your audience isn't made up the same way.

https://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article7137458.ece