Radio 2 in the Park 2024

[E*F*4L]

The Electric Proms series has given us such treats as Elton John teaming up with Plan B and an exclusive Robbie Williams night with a special string and horn section. Dizzee Rascal performed with an orchestra for 1Xtra, while Oasis performed with the Crouch End Festival Chorus.

However, despite all of these musical treats, the BBC has decided after five years enough is enough.

Bob Shennan, Radio 2 controller, said it was being axed for "efficency savings".

He said: "In the current climate, we are faced with making difficult decisions, including how best to deliver high-quality live music programming throughout the year in light of continuing efficiency savings."

The BBC said it would remain committed to live music but would deliver it in other ways - such as the recent Radio 2 Manic Street Preachers gig which was available online and on the red button.

When the Electric Proms first launched it worked in conjuction with a variety of services including BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and the Asian Network, but last year worked more closely with BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.

http://www.unofficialmills.co.uk/communities/content.php?192-The-Electric-Proms-axed-by-the-BBC

wonder what else will go now?

[Jono]

In fairness it looked like the BBC had kicked it to the gutter in the last year anyway. It was effectively the Radio 2 Electric Proms last year - a far cry from when it first launched and we heard all about it on all of the stations.

I think it was unique and I'm not convinced it will be essentially that much cheaper to do individual events when you add the cost up in the long run.

The real shame was the coverage was put on late in the evening - it would have been great to see it during the weekend.

[bmstinton93]

As I said on Twitter yesterday, Radio 2 have scrapped probably the best thing going for them.

[the_grove]

The interesting question is, will Radio 1 have to make similar cuts? Scrap the Big Weekend or make it a Big Saturday/Sunday? Less festival coverage in the summer?

If Radio 2 feels the pressure and decides to scrap one of it biggest brands, it seems as if nothing is safe on the BBC at the moment.

[Jono]

The interesting question is, will Radio 1 have to make similar cuts? Scrap the Big Weekend or make it a Big Saturday/Sunday? Less festival coverage in the summer?

If Radio 2 feels the pressure and decides to scrap one of it biggest brands, it seems as if nothing is safe on the BBC at the moment.

It would make more sense to scrap the Teen Awards and smaller ideas like that which must still be costly.