Summer on Radio 1

[James R]

While it carries a motto expressing their devotion to new music, is Radio One really supporting the music in this country that actually matters?

On July 16 this year, it was announced that Jo Whiley was leaving her 10-12.45 daytime slot and being replaced by Fearne Cotton, 17 years her junior, increasing speculation that the station is eager to concentrate on drawing in younger listeners – rather than having anybody with any musical knowledge whatsoever. With the likes of Chris Moyles, Scott Mills and the aforementioned Cotton being so self-obsessed and desperate to be famous, it sometimes makes it an uncomfortable listen.

To some the departure of Ms Whiley came as no real surprise or upset but the loss is a lot grater than some may imagine. She was the only person left (other than Zane Lowe) that really promoted and supported new and exciting, yet sometimes unusual, talent. She is involved in the Little Noise Sessions that are held annually at the Union Chapel in London in aid of Mencap and have showcased better known British acts including Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher and Amy Winehouse. The line up also champions fresh bands of the time, for example the View, Jamie T and Bat For Lashes in 2006, Cajun Dance Party and the Courteeners in 2007, and more recently Skint & Demoralised, the Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Everything Everything, the Low Anthem and Golden Silvers. All of which you rarely ever hear on daytime Radio One.

The play list consists of four separate sections A, B, C and an Upfront List. This is where the songs you hear on the irritating daytime loop are chosen from. Taken from when it was last updated (25 November 2009), there are 48 songs to choose from – out of which, to my horror, only 20 were British and shockingly only nine were in the non-urban or euro-dancey-pop category. Those nine, that I will name as it will not take long, are Take That, Robbie Williams, Muse, Artic Monkeys, Lily Allen, Florence And The Machine, Mumford And Sons, Pixie Lott, Prodigy and Delphic. As you can see only four acts are under two years old. How is this in any way helping the British music industry?

These isles produce some of the best bands in the world and Radio One has the opportunity to kick start careers of the newest talent. Instead they seem to concentrate on too many bands from outside the UK or the ones that are doing some kind of concert for the BBC, whether it’s Children In Need, Big Weekend or the Electric Proms. In other words you only seem to get played if you scratch their back first. Gone are the days where DJs, such as John Peel and Steve Lamacq, used to put in lots of time finding unfamiliar sounds.

Over the years the station has become so Americanised and has turned into more of a style magazine rather than a place to love music. Their target listener age is 16-29, but with the presenters mostly talking about late night drinking sessions, X Factor, football, celebrity gossip and fashion, it’s an insult for any 29-year-old that I know. I think the BBC are completely out of touch with modern culture and what the public actually desires. The people and the music in this country deserve a whole lot more.

http://www.themusicmagazine.co.uk/features/7286

[Viv]

Quote: Over the years the station has become so Americanised and has turned into more of a style magazine rather than a place to love music. Their target listener age is 16-29, but with the presenters mostly talking about late night drinking sessions, X Factor, football, celebrity gossip and fashion, it’s an insult for any 29-year-old that I know. I think the BBC are completely out of touch with modern culture and what the public actually desires. The people and the music in this country deserve a whole lot more.

Viv: It just keeps on coming.... these kinds of topics about the output of Radio 1. The last paragraph I agree with, I'm afraid.

The playlist: Hmmm.... well, I've discovered a number of choons I like, thanx to R1, American or otherwise. Variety is needed surely. Zane Lowe's stuff last night was magnificent. The Clash on the masterpieces. I loved that last night. Going to buy the album too soon. Cheers Zane.

Don't have problem so much with the playlist, as I do with the kind of stuff presenters are discussing, and some of the cringeworthy telephone calls from listeners.

We need another John Peel - badly.

[Lee.]

its simon cowell hes responsible for the death of proper good music and new bands cause he says what people should like and they just follow like sheep get lube and scotts flat mate with mi5 to deal with him

[Viv]

X-factor has become a huge and annoying influence... These reality TV-type shows, with these people you never hear about a year down the line have to stop. :-/

If only more bands like the Clash could spring up. Last night's masterpieces with Zane Lowe just showed how great is the potential.

[Joe Boy]

Radio 1 is still hugely influential in showcasing new music from all genres, although this is mostly in the evening. But that's not necessarily a bad thing - people like to hear things they're familiar with during the day.

If you want more obscure stuff during the day, new artists, and some older songs, plus less frivolous chat, then surely 6 Music would be more your thing?

[Viv]

Yes, but 6 Music is on the TV... How do I carry a TV about with me. :-/ Put it in my bag??

It's only over the past year that R1 are doing this 'young listener' thing - I'm hoping the BBC Trust will review the situation, and put things back to the way they were 4/5 years ago. Once they get my letter, they'll change everything back, I'm sure.

I can wait until evening for obscure stuff. The playlist on loop during the day has a calming affect on me.

[Computer]

The article has a point, but it's so badly written I doubt anyone will take notice.

[James R]

but the loss is a lot grater than some may imagine

Cheese anyone :hahaha:

[E*F*4L]

it is by playing that x-factor crap !

Moyles should shut up talking about it.

[Electrobix]

Valid points there. The daytime output is WAY too 'safe'- they really need to try something new and bring some variety to the playlist.

[welovemoyles]

Yes and it is an insult to everything to what John Peel and this fine radio station stands or should i say stood for.

Im disgusted by the station shutting out new bands and im sure Miss Whiley and Bowman will agree?