Editor's Note: Roger Bolton discusses this week's Feedback, which includes advice for the new Editor of the Archers, the inside story of Charlotte Green's return to radio, whether the Hardtalk programme needs to soften, and how the World at One fills its airtime when Parliament is on holiday.
Feedback is available to listen to online or to download and keep
Roger Bolton - presenter of Feedback
I once tried to be the regular presenter of the BBC's Hardtalk programme, broadcast on World Service Radio as well as on BBC News 24.
I failed.
It was my own fault. I did a week of trial interviews and did not cut the mustard.
I should have given the producers what they wanted, the confrontations that are a hall mark of the show. Instead I tried a number of different approaches, designed to surprise the guests. Maybe they did, but I did not manage to produce the news headlines that the producers needed.
Well that's my excuse. Maybe I just fumbled, mumbled, and panicked under the pressure to come out exactly on time. Or maybe, as I get older, I don't see the world in such black and white terms, and think prosecuting counsels should remain in the courtroom.
Anyway I was intrigued this week to read about the concerns of Alex Robinson, or Green Ink Ninja as he calls himself on his blog. He is up in arms about the way Sarah Montague, of the Today parish, conducted a Hardtalk interview with the singer Thomas Hampson. He believes it showed an outdated, stereotypical view of opera and its audience.
Here is our Feedback feature:
Roger Bolton hears complaints about a HARDtalk interview with baritone Thomas Hampson.
Also this week I talked to first time writer, Sarah Hehir, who won a BBC Writer's prize, securing her a commission. The resulting play, Bang Up, a drama set in a young offenders' institute, was broadcast on Thursday.
I talked to Sarah about how her drama got on air, and what tips she has for aspiring writers.
And just a quick reminder that in two weeks time Feedback will be coming from the Edinburgh Festival when we will be examining the state of radio comedy. If you are in Edinburgh on August 23rd you are very welcome to come along. Details are on the website.
If you can't make it do let me know the questions you would like asked and the areas we should explore.
Now I'm off to harden up my interviewing technique. Well, you never know.
Roger Bolton
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