desert island discs

[volvo179]

This hugely popular radio 4 programme is not available on the "listen again" service.

The stated reason is unresolved issues between the BBC and the owners of the programme format.

It is high time that someone somewhere sorted out these unresolved issues.

For a start can anyone tell me what the problem actually is or shall I start with a Freedom of information request to the Beeb?

[andy hughes]

I seem to recall that the format was owned by Roy Plomley, the original prersenter, and after his death, the rights passed to his family, and they are quite strict about what changes, if any, can be made. I suggest that the problem with re-broadcast lies with them, for reasons known only to themselves and the BBC.

[brachiopod]

andy h. is correct once again, in that the rights lie with Roy Plomley's estate.

However, I suspect it's complicated more by the copyright issue with respect to the 'discs' themselves.

This was discussed on a certain R4 web-site, though I forget the definitive conclusion.

Anyone from Mustardland welcome to enlighten us !!