A number of Sunday afternoon specialist music shows on BBC Local Radio stations have ended, making way for a new networked programme across England.
The Make a Difference show will launch on Sunday 14th September from 2pm until 6pm, presented by a host still to be announced. It will air in areas not broadcasting live local sport. Before that, a one-off Award Winners special is airing today (7th September).
John Leech’s Soul Show, which aired across BBC Eastern stations, is among the shows that will no longer be heard. John said the decision to end long-running regional shows in favour of a broader national programme “seems puzzling” and could reduce local flavour and engagement.
He added: “I’m honoured to have been a part of people’s lives, sharing experiences through the highs and lows.” More information about his work is available on his website.
Other shows brought to an end include Lisa Marrey’s 80s and 90s show on BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Merseyside and BBC Cumbria, and John Marshall played the same decades of music on Humberside and Lincolnshire. In the Midlands, Paula White’s retro music show aired across five stations, while Sile Sibanda hosted a music and conversation show on BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio York and BBC Radio Leeds.
In the South, Mel Everett presented a shared show on BBC Radio Somerset, BBC Radio Devon and BBC Radio Cornwall and and Erika North’s programme across BBC Radio Kent, BBC Radio Solent, BBC Radio Berkshire and BBC Radio Oxford.
The new show also replaced Gaby Roslin on BBC Radio London.
Chris Burns, Head of BBC Local Audio Commissioning, said: “Make a Difference is something that has deeply resonated with our audiences since inception. It is hugely popular and something we really want to champion while prioritising our unrivalled commitment to covering local sport.”
The BBC has said the new Sunday afternoon programme is designed to highlight positive stories from communities across the country, with the balance between shared and local output dependent on sport schedules.
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk