BBC Trust Review Radio Networks 3, 4 and 7

The BBC Trust has started its probe into the networks BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7.

 

 

The BBC claim the trust aim to ensure licence fee payers are getting the best out of the corporation by having a service review at least every five years.

 

The review announced today will look at the current performance of Radios 3, 4 and 7 – including the stations’ quality, distinctiveness and value for money – and the BBC’s future plans for the services. A 12-week period of consultation – in which the public can offer their opinions on these services – is now open. Anyone interested in passing comment on the BBC services can do so at www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust

 

David Liddiment, who is leading the review for the Trust said: “Each week Radio 4 reaches a significant audience who listen for over 12 hours on average – the longest of any BBC radio station. Radio 3 also attracts a core and loyal audience who listen for nearly six hours each week; and Radio 7 has the highest reach of the BBC’s digital stations, with just over a million listeners per week. That means there are a lot of people out there with views on these stations. As part of the review we want to hear from as many listeners as possible with their thoughts on the services.”

 

Liddiment has a long career in commercial broadcasting, having overseen such programmes as Coronation Street, before joining the ITV Network Centre as controller. Famously noted as causing the ITV schedules to suffer major problems when he changed the format in 1999,  axing News at Ten for a string of flops proved a major mis-judgement.