Episodes
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The future of the BBC depends on renewing its listener base - but younger people are switching off linear radio and focusing on personally tailored forms of media. So how does the BBC compete, and what are its strategies for winning over younger listeners?
Andrea Catherwood speaks to Matt Walsh from the University of Cardiff, hears a panel of students discuss their listening habits, and quizzes BBC Sounds commissioning editor Dylan Haskins and Head of Radio 1 Aled Haydn Jones on what they're doing to try and attract new generations of listeners. She also asks whether the BBC's focus on newer listeners could risk alienating existing, loyal audiences.
And reporter John Rogers goes behind the scenes at youth oriented news podcast Reliable Sauce.
Producer: Leeanne Coyle
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Andrea Catherwood brings listener questions and comments to the most controversial place in the Feedback inbox - Ambridge.
The Archers has been running since 1951, and its distinctive theme tune is one of the sounds the nation most associates with Radio 4. Andrea goes behind the scenes to hear more about how it is recorded, how actors develop characters over their real time lifetimes, and puts your questions to the Editor on the balance between high drama and the maintaining the values of the Archers as an "everyday story of country folk".
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Leeanne CoyleA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Andrea Catherwood brings listeners questions to the broadcaster and journalist Darryl Morris and Executive Producer Jo Meek - makers of Radio 4’s documentary God Next Door. Darryl has spent a considerable amount of time talking to James from Manchester, a landscape Gardner who believes himself to be God and has a number of followers in the local community who share his belief.
There’s been a sensational cycle of breaking stories in the U.S. presidential campaign during the month of July. Many Feedback listeners have been concerned that this has dominated much of our news. Andrea puts these points to Justin Webb - Today presenter, co-host of Americast and Former North America Editor.
Imagine taking a week long Summer break, discovering new places, experiencing a wide range of culture and music with moving from your radio. The Feedback inbox has been overflowing with praise for Petroc Trelawny’s Breakfast Road Trip to the North East of England which was broadcast live every morning last week. Taking a break from preparations for the The Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, Petroc came on Feedback to give some insight into how a week out and about works.
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Pauline MooreA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Andrea Catherwood gets under the skin of Radio 4's Behind the Crime, putting listeners' views to Dr Sally Tilt and Dr Kerensa Hocken, the forensic psychologists who devote each programme to interviewing one former criminal in depth, to unpick how their life experiences contributed to their decisions to offend.
The Director of the World Service recently resigned from her post. Liliane Landor talks about the challenges of budget cuts and her concerns for the station's future, while World Service listeners say what the World Service means to them.
Feedback is always keen to hear listeners' nominations for the programme's Interview of the Year - anything that made you stop in your tracks, cry, laugh-out-loud, or completely change your thinking on a subject. The latest nomination comes for a chat between Alex Hartley, Kate Cross and Olivia Thomas - all members of the Lancashire Thunder Cricket team - on the No Balls Podcast on BBC Sounds.
And listeners have been in touch about the unflappable Any Answers presenter Anita Anand and the technical issues she dealt with on last weekend's programme. It was every live broadcasters' nightmare - a phone in with no phones!
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Pauline MooreA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Andrea Catherwood brings Feedback listeners' thoughts and views on news and politics podcasts to the BBC's Senior News Editor Sam Bonham and Political Correspondent Alex Forsyth - and asks if this was the first real podcast election.
Two listeners enter the Feedback Vox Box to talk about the new Radio 4 comedy series, Geoff Norcott's Working Mens Club. And the comedian himself joins Andrea to respond to the review and talk about the role of the right leaning comic on Radio 4.
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Pauline MooreA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Andrea Catherwood puts listeners' views on the cut and thrust of the six week election coverage to Jonathan Munro, the BBC's Director of Journalism.
The ability to fill time is a key skill for any live broadcaster. Things don't always run smoothly - so what does it take to fill successfully. Dotun Adebayo, presenter of Radio 5 Live's Up All Night is an acknowledged master of the art and shares some of his secrets.
Feedback's Interview of the Year has been attracting nominations. This week, many listeners picked Emma Barnett's interview with Simon Boas on the Today programme on Thursday 4th July. Simon and Emma talked about his terminal illness and how he is facing the final days of his life. Listeners found his optimism and sense of happiness a real inspiration.
And Feedback still wants to hear your suggestions for the Interview that stopped you in your tracks. It could be a thought-provoking or emotive personal story, the moment an evasive politician gets nailed to the wall, or just something that made you laugh out loud.
Next week Feedback is digging into the increasingly central role podcasts seem to be playing, not just during the UK Election but in its news and politics coverage in general. Are you a fan? Do get in touch with your views on BBC news podcasts. Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Pauline MooreA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Andrea Catherwood discusses the schedule change and original commissions for Radio 4's Book of the Week with Commissioning Editor, Hugh Levinson.
The daily racing tips on Radio 4's Today programme have ended after 47 years. The news produced a mixed reaction from Feedback listeners. Tom Kerr, editor of The Racing Post explains why the move has ruffled a few feathers in the horse racing world.
Feedback's Interview of the Year is back. We want to hear listeners' nominations for the interview that stopped you in your tracks. It could be a thought-provoking or emotive personal story, the moment an evasive politician gets nailed to the wall, or just something that made you laugh out loud. As part of this process we'll be talking to some of the leading practitioners of the art of interviewing. This week, John Wilson, presenter of Radio 4's This Cultural Life, tells Andrea how he approaches conversations with some of the world's leading artists and creatives.
Next week, we’re going to be looking back at the BBC’s coverage of the election We would love to hear from you - please do get in touch.
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Pauline MooreA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Andrea Catherwood discusses Feedback listeners' views on Radio 4's new satirical comedy, Munya Chawawa's Election Doom Scroll, with Radio 4's Comedy and Entertainment Commissioner Julia McKenzie. The three-part series takes us on an imaginary flick through the mobile phones of political leaders, uncovering spoof voice notes, video clips and messages.
Last weekend's Restore Nature Now march in London generated a lot of heat in the the Feedback inbox. Tens of thousands of protesters descended on Parliament Square calling for urgent action on climate change. It was covered in detail by most of the major broadcasters but, if you'd been listening to Radio 4, you'd have missed it. The lack of coverage angered many listeners.
Radio 4's Uncanny is in its fourth series. The programme investigates paranormal events, talking to witnesses and experts to try and uncover rational explanation for spooky goings on. The podcast was created by writer Danny Robins during lockdown and has been a huge hit. Two Uncanny super fans pop into the Feedback VoxBox to talk about the latest series, which is based in the USA. Danny also talks to Andrea about how the show has created such a loyal community of followers.
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Pauline MooreA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Four weeks into the UK election campaign, Andrea discusses interruptions and impartiality in political interviews with Today presenter Nick Robinson and the BBC's Director of Journalism, Jonathan Munro.
Also, we take a dystopian deep dive into Radio 4's Orwell v Kafka weekend. In all, 10 hours of the network's weekend schedule were given over to the two authors - including readings of George Orwell's 1984, a dramatisation of Franz Kafka's The Trial and six half hour discussions hosted by Ian Hislop and Helen Lewis. It was loved by many of you, but was a Kafkaesque/Orwellian nightmare for others. Andrea and Matthew Dodd, Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Arts, discuss the thinking behind the idea at the foot of Orwell's statue outside Broadcasting House.
And after the tragic death of Dr Michael Mosley, we hear Feedback listeners' tributes to a broadcaster who changed the lives of millions.
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Pauline Moore A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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It's been 18 months since the BBC first announced sweeping changes to Local Radio in England. Now, most of the 39 stations share regional output on weekdays from 2pm and then national programming after 6pm. The decision immediately led to howls of protest from staff, politicians and Feedback listeners. This week, Andrea has been speaking to the person behind these changes, the Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England, Chris Burns.
Last week Radio 3 Controller, Sam Jackson, explained the rationale behind his recent changes to the station’s schedule. But not all of you were convinced by his reasoning so, this week, Andrea is addressing some more of your comments.
And the comedian Michael Spicer joins Andrea to talk about his new series No Room on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. The pair delve into the art of satire and why low hanging fruit can still be funny...
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Leeanne CoyleA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Sam Jackson is Radio 3’s relatively new controller - he’s been in the job for just a year and, at 40, he’s much younger than most of the station’s listeners. Earlier this month he took the plunge and introduced a raft of changes to the schedule. This week on Feedback, he explains the thinking behind the changes and responds to listeners' comments.
And The Now Show is no more. After 25 years, Radio 4’s topical comedy staple ended last week. Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis join Andrea in the studio to look back over the past quarter of a century, unpick the nuances of political satire and talk through the BBC’s decision to end the show.
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Leeanne CoyleA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Helen Lewis has Left the Chat is a six-part series on Radio 4 which examines how instant messaging has “taken over our lives". It delves into the murky, and often hilarious world of WhatsApp and other apps to explore how they have shaped our world. Many of you loved the programme - but some of you also found the strong language an instant turn off, especially at 9.30am. Helen Lewis tells Andrea why the team believed keeping the expletives in was crucial to telling the story.
A recent episode of File On 4, Radio 4’s flagship weekly investigative programme, explored whether diet groups like Slimming World can fuel eating disorders. After it was broadcast, lots of listeners got in touch in to complain that the programme lacked proper balance.
Listeners to Radio 1’s Breakfast show with Greg James have been left wondering where their news has gone. Newsbeat bulletins have shrunk from three minutes to just one. Professor Steven Barnett from the University Of Westminster sheds some light on the station's commitment to news.
And weather man Simon King is here to reveal why he ended up Breathless in Salford
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Leeanne CoyleA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Andrea Catherwood talks to Rachel Burden, the presenter of Cafe Hope, about the need to hear more positive stories, and gets your views on the new programme.
She also hears the thoughts of Book of the Week fans, which has moved to a new, later timeslot, in part to make room for Cafe Hope, as part of the recent schedule changes at Radio 4.
Following last week’s discussion on the future of the BBC and the way it is funded, more of you have been adding your thoughts to the licence fee reform debate.
And what's happening with Radio 4 Long Wave? The Daily Service and Yesterday in Parliament have been moved to Radio 4 Extra in anticipation of the Long Wave frequency being shut down, but it's now due to be running until June next year. So why has the Long Wave goodbye got longer? Andrea speaks to the BBC's Head of Distribution and Radio 4’s Station Executive - joining the dots between the Shipping Forecast and Smart Meters!
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Leeanne CoyleA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Are the days of the BBC licence fee numbered and, if so, what might replace it? In the week that the licence fee goes up by £10, we’re asking you to give us your views on the corporation’s future funding model. Matt Walsh, Head of Cardiff University’s Journalism School gives us his take.
The Radio 4 Schedule changes have now kicked in, but what research were the decisions based on? Andrea puts your questions to Alison Winter, Head of Audiences, Radio and Education at the BBC.
And Strike Boy is a 10-part series which follows the son of a striking Nottinghamshire miner as he uncovers the motivations and memories of some of those involved in the 1984 miners’ strike. For this week’s Vox Box, two listeners who have their own personal connections to the strikes, cast an ear over the Radio 4 series - and the producer responds to their comments.
Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Leeanne CoyleA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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The BBC’s Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond reflects on recent coverage of the Royal family and the Princess of Wales' revelation of her cancer diagnosis, responding to listener comments. And Robin Edwards who was editing Radio 4’s 6 o’clock news on the day of the Princess' announcement, talks about the dilemma he faced when reports of the Moscow shooting started to come through just ten minutes before they went on air. Also, we hear listeners express their views on the news that Radio 4's Law In Action has come to an end after nearly 40 years. Joshua Rozenberg who presented the very first episode in 1984, as well as the last one, looks back on the series and gives us his thoughts on why it was axed. And the BBC has reversed a decision to shorten the length of In Touch – Radio 4’s programme for blind and partially sighted people. Anna Tylor from the Royal National Institute Of Blind People gives us her reaction. Presented by Andrea CatherwoodProduced by Leeanne CoyleA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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This week you’ve been giving us your views on the Woman’s Hour series on the impact of pornography. We dig a little deeper into the issue with Ruth McDermott, a listener who has specialist knowledge of covering sensitive topics.
The BBC is planning to run adverts on some of its audio content on third party platforms like, Apple and Spotify. We speak to Audio Industry Consultant Matt Deegan to get his take on it.
And from April 1st, Tweet Of The Day is disappearing from the weekday schedule, to be replaced by Tweet of the Week. The news has ruffled a few feathers. We hear listeners' reaction and get the inside track on what goes in to making these much-loved snippets of birdsong from wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson.
Presented by Andrea Catherwood
Produced by Leeanne Coyle
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Radio 4 is revamping its schedule from the beginning of April. Andrea Catherwood talks to the station’s controller Mohit Bakaya about why he’s decided to press refresh. He also responds to listeners’ questions about shifting the Archers omnibus by an hour on Sundays and explains the thinking behind Feedback being moved to Thursdays.
Also, we hear the polarised views of listeners on Amol Rajan’s feisty interview with the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Some say it was a breath of fresh air – others that it was bad-tempered and unprofessional.
And the true crime series Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley has been getting the Vox Box treatment. Two history buffs give us their personal take on the programme and the Executive Producer, Kirsty Hunter, is on hand to respond to their thoughts.
Presented by Andrea Catherwood
Produced by Leeanne Coyle
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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Schedule changes, Moral Maze and Singers Saved.
As Radio 3 and 4 prepare to shake-up their schedules, you’ve been getting in touch with your views. Archers fans and Record Review regulars have been quick to air their concerns. Also, Andrea Catherwood looks back at some more memorable schedule change moments with former Radio 4 controller, Mark Damazer.
Moral Maze listeners vent their feelings on the recent debate on veganism where all four of the panellists were meat eaters.
The BBC Singers have been saved - again! Andrea asks Paul Hughes, former Director of the Singers, if they really are safe this time.
And it’s never too early to start thinking about your Interview Of The Year nomination.
Presented by Andrea Catherwood
Produced by Leeanne Coyle
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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In the last episode of the series, Andrea Catherwood reveals the Feedback Interview of the Year and discusses the art of the interview with Mishal Husain, Justin Webb and Adrian Edmondson.
And do we need a new national anthem? That was the question posed on a recent edition of Radio 4’s Antisocial which prompted a passionate response from Feedback listeners. Andrea talks to the programme's presenter Adam Fleming about how to shed light on hot topics.
Presenter: Andrea CatherwoodProducer: Will Yates
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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How often do you think about the Romans? Historian Dr Mary Beard speaks with Andrea Catherwood on her new series for BBC Radio 4 ‘Being Roman’
BBC Radio 4 recently released the latest series of The Lovecraft Investigations – based on the occult writer HPLovecraft’s stories. Many Listeners told us how unsettling they were. Feedback’s Special Correspondent Rob Crossan investigates the enduring appeal of audio horror.
And we're almost at the end of year of cuts and changes to BBC Local Radio in England, which has left some listeners worried that the spirit of Christmas won't sound the same this year, and there'll be a lack of local companionship. We hear some of your comments.
Producer: Gerry CassidyPresenter: Andrea CatherwoodA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4
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