Radio Two Becomes Pc

[andy-hughes]

You may have read in the media of the changes being made to the Radio 2 schedules, which the station admits are down to its 'need' to increase its 'diversity' quotient.

In plain English, the station has decided that there are not enough female presenters, so they are addressing that issue.

They are adding Jo Wiley as co-presenter with Simon Mayo on Drive Time, the are replacing Paul Jones on The Blues Show with Cerys Mathews, and they are axing the Arts Show with Jonathan Ross.

In order then - Jo Wiley is being added to a show not because she is a wonderful talent (my dislike of her is probably known on here), or because Mr Mayo is in dire need of a co-host, but because she is a woman.

Paul Jones has been with the station for thirty years, he is a veteran blues musician and has probably forgotten more about blues music in the years before Cerys Mathews was born. Ms Mathews is not replacing Mr Jones because he has had a memory lapse and forgotten his vast knowledge of blues music which is essential when broadcasting to enthusiasts - it is because she is a woman.

Jonathan Ross is not having his show axed because he is no longer capable of presenting it - it is because he is not a woman.

The point as I see it is this - why do Radio Two need to axe, or add to, or change formats which are working perfectly well, simply to address the notion of 'diversity'?

And more importantly, how do Ms. Wiley and Ms. Mathews feel to be moved to new shows, not because they are talented or needed, but merely because they tick a gender slot?

Any thoughts?

[murraymints]

Hmmmm.. if it ain't broken.... ?

[andy-hughes]

Indeed murray - unless you think that 'diversity' is a valid reason to mess with things!

[Oleanda]

I wish they would replace Steve Wright with absolutely anyone, he gets on my wick.

[andy-hughes]

Oleanda - You may well get your wish, he could be 'co-hosting' with Anne Widdecombe before long!

[murraymints]

Think "auntie" is being ultra PC in view of recent times...Jones and Ross both a significant loss !

[gness]

My thoughts aren't really printable, Andy.......I'm not a listener but to hear of decisions being made to change something for the sake of diversity and not talent is stupid and weak....
As a woman I'd be ashamed to accept a position just to fill a gender slot....
Were I Mayo, Jones or Ross I'd now turn up for work as a woman....the works...make-up...wig....frocks.....maybe not the killer heels till I'd perfected the walk though......

Big, big mistake I think...x

[andy-hughes]

I have to agree with the last two posters.

I am unsure whether Ms Wiley and Ms Mathews are contractually bound to accept the posts, but it will be difficult for them to broadcast as though they are in the position by right of ability, when clearly they are there by gender, which has to be unacceptable on all levels for everyone involved.

[Deskdiary]

No post, whatever the industry, should be filled just to tick a diversity box.

I have a very narrow music taste, being Soul and Funk only, and Craig Charles, who clearly knows his subject, has a brilliant show on Saturday evening on 6 Music, and if he was replaced by a woman simply to tick a box I'd be furious.

Filling posts for me is all about merit and the ability to do the job. If that meant that an authority on my type of music was a one armed Chinese lesbian pygmy, I'd be happy with that, but I wouldn't be happy if, for example (as gorgeous as she is) Fearne Cotton got the job (this assumes she's not an authority).

I have no idea who Paul Jones is, but he sounds like an authority, and therefore should be retained on merit alone, surely?

[vulcan42]

I assume, in the light of recent events, that these new presenters will be paid the same as those they are joining. To have the same programme presented for now twice the money seems an incredibly waste of money.

[melv16]

I think you should listen to Cerys Matthew's on Sunday morning, on 6 music, Andy. I think you'll change your mind about her. I agree with you over Jo Wiley.

[andy-hughes]

Again deskdiary, I cannot but agree with your view - people providing a radio show should be there on the basis of their suitability and popularity, not simply their gender.

Paul Jones was a pop star in the 1960's, he was lead singer of the band Manfred Mann, and he has gone on to become a highly successful blues musician in his own right as a member of The Blues Band, and he is a supremely knowledgeable blues fan, and his links and contacts in that genre are unrivalled.

To turf him out and replace him with someone whose CV does include and indicate a knowledge of blues, but whose experience cannot hold a candle to Mr Jones - simply because she is a woman, is a grave insult to both parties, and the listeners who finance these unwelcome changes.

[andy-hughes]

melv - // I think you should listen to Cerys Matthew's on Sunday morning, on 6 music, Andy. I think you'll change your mind about her. I agree with you over Jo Wiley. //

We cross-posted - I am happy to concede that Cerys Mathews is not ignorant of blues music and musicians, but that doesn't alter the fact that a well-loved and seriously more knowledgeable and experienced presenter is being axed to make way for her on the basis that she is a woman.

[woofgang]

I would axe Jonothan Ross using a real axe

[douglas9401]

Steve Wright's show already fulfils gender balance requirements having Janey Lee Opinionated Loon and her mini-me The Bobster.

[Bazile]

//And more importantly, how do Ms. Wiley and Ms. Mathews feel to be moved to new shows, not because they are talented or needed, but merely because they tick a gender slot? //

I'm sure the nice increase in the folding , will help them get over the guilt and shame of it all

[andy-hughes]

Bazile - // //And more importantly, how do Ms. Wiley and Ms. Mathews feel to be moved to new shows, not because they are talented or needed, but merely because they tick a gender slot? //

I'm sure the nice increase in the folding , will help them get over the guilt and shame of it all //

That assumes that they do their jobs entirely for the money, and have no sense of morality or justice whatsoever.

That's for them to know, and us to wonder.

[goodgoalie]

High time Gloria Hunniford was brought back to Radio 2, I think, Andy. Maybe a new show: 'Those We Have Lost' ?

[andy-hughes]

goodgoalie - What a fantastic idea, I am so jealous I didn't think of it first!

Maybe she can have Steve Wright's slot?

Wonderful - I'm e-mailing the programme controller now, fingers crossed!!!!!!!!

[goodgoalie]

Please ask that Steve Wright's slot be given to anyone, ANYONE, please

[andy-hughes]

goodgoalie - I think we can kill the proverbial two birds here - Steve Wright off, Gloria Hunniford back, with a show about bereavement, that's what I call a result all round!