RadioCentre criticises BBC local radio move to exclude elderly

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 15-Nov-06, 11:00

LONDON - The commercial radio industry body has expressed concern about reports that a BBC local radio managing editor instructed her presenters to exclude elderly people from phone-ins.

Today's newspapers report on the leak of a memo from Mia Costello, the managing editor of BBC Radio Solent, in which she tells her broadcasters she does not want to hear "really elderly voices" and they should only do caller round-ups about people in the 45-64 age range.

A BBC spokesman did not deny a report in the Daily Telegraph, which also quoted Peter White, a 59-year-old BBC Radio Solent presenter who had recently been axed by Costello. White questioned whether it was within the remit of the BBC to "disenfranchise a section of listeners who contribute to that funding as licence payers".

Speaking for commercial radio, Lisa Kerr, RadioCentre's director of external affairs, described the case as "obviously concerning" and reminiscent of previous efforts by BBC local radio and Radio 2 to attract a younger audience.

"This is clearly a focus on younger listeners, which means the BBC will be competing more with local commercial radio. I'm also surprised to hear her describe BBC Radio as 'the business'."

In the leaked memo, Costello wrote: "Whatever your view of this policy, this is what the business needs, so please make sure you're doing the right thing."

Kerr added that because it is difficult for commercial radio to make money by appealing to older listeners, then if the BBC chooses not to focus on the age group it leaves a big gap in radio's service.

The RadioCentre raised concerns about BBC local radio's attempts to appeal to younger audiences in its submission to the last BBC Charter Review.

In response to the reports the BBC provided the following statement from David Holdsworth, acting controller of English regions: "Our target audience remains at 55 and older. This memo does not reflect BBC policy and there is no ban on callers of any age gaining access to our airwaves.

"We welcome everyone, as long as they have something interesting to say, and every day people in their seventies, eighties and nineties light up BBC local radio with vivid contributions.

"Our editors do not want to exclude older listeners, although they do have to review their schedules to reflect changing tastes and times.

"I am today reminding editors of our policy."

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