Radios 3, 4 and 7 must build reach, Trust review finds

BBC Radios 3, 4 and 7 are to remain on air, but must work to build audience reach while remaining distinctive, a BBC Trust review has concluded.

The reports which are available on the BBC web site go onto to say...

Radio 3
We have set out a number of specific actions for BBC management which include:
looking for ways to make the station more accessible and welcoming

• considering how the BBC can best deliver classical, jazz and world music to all licence fee payers
• considering how the station can help audiences best navigate the wide range of content on offer
• reviewing the levels of broadcast output from the performing groups

For me this is one of the more expensive stations when looked at a per listener at a cost per user per hour or 6.3p copared to Radio 2 at 0.5p peruser per hour.

Radio 4
Whilst Radio 4 is the most expensive BBC radio service, audiences felt that it represents excellent value for money overall. We endorse Radio 4’s strategy of broadening its core appeal where possible and believe that the station should continue to evolve to replenish its audience. In addition:

• Radio 4 should to aim to increase appeal amongst different demographic groups
• We have increased the minimum hours of original documentaries required in the Radio 4 service licence
• BBC management should consider Radio 4’s role in sports coverage. This consideration should take into account Radio 4’s role within BBC radio’s overall sports coverage.
• Radio 4 should consider the balance of its international coverage and in particular, its coverage between Europe and the rest of the world, compared with America.

Although I agree with the lack of coverage on Europe, I do hope Gwyneth Williams doesn't just cut Americana, fronted by Matt Frei. I do enjoy this programme as it shows a different side to American culture to most other reporting channels. The increase in original documentary hours is good news, especialy if they end up in the independent sector.

Radio 7
Radio 7 is highly regarded by a sizeable digital audience who value the light hearted and nostalgic output. Audiences appreciate the opportunity to hear the best examples of radio comedy and drama from the BBC archive. Radio 7 also plays an important role in promoting DAB. However, Radio 7 has very low awareness overall and its dedicated children’s programming is not serving audiences well.

That's all they say about Radio 7 in the summary report.

The summary cncludes with a list of key strategic initiatives which the BBC management have made and the Trust endorses...

• The development of part of its public service archive proposition into what the BBC terms ‘permanent collections’ for Radio 3 and Radio 4. These proposals will increase the amount of archive programming made permanently available on the Radio 3 and Radio 4 programme sites.
• The repositioning of Radio 7 as Radio 4 Extra. However, we will protect the current elements of Radio 7 that audiences particularly value, including increasing the weekly minimum amount of drama and comedy and setting limits around the amount of Radio 4 catch-up programming.
• The development of the children’s audio strategy including the refocus of dedicated children’s programming on Radio 7 to appeal more to families. This will also include the creation of CBeebies pre-school audio available for download from the CBeebies website and the commercial release of children’s radio archive programming for secondary broadcast by third parties.

As a listener I like the increase in permanent collections although dealing with the 'rights' issues would come cheaply I suspect. I do like the idea of making Radio 7 into Radio 4 Extra. Also I agree with the drive to increase the audience profile and encourage more younger listeners, after all these will be the next generation of listeners.