Sarah Crown expresses eloquently the reaction of many of us to the shock news that the BBC, sponsor of the National Short Story Award and promoting itself there as 'the world's leading broadcaster of short stories and a staunch and long-time supporter of the form', is to reduce its Radio 4 output to one story a week. It's not so long ago that there was a story every single weekday afternoon, and it's depressing how quickly the contraction has taken place. Goodness knows what's behind the decision - it doesn't seem we need more news or current affairs (which will replace it), and I'd be surprised if the audience for the story slot has dwindled, given the the growing popularity of the form
Do sign the petition set up by author Susie Maguire and Ian Skillicorn, director of National Short Story Week, asking the BBC to reverse such an incomprehensible decision.
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3 comments:
Done it. What a bizarre decision ...
Philip Pullman last night, speaking in support of the Brent Save Our Six Libraries campaign - drew attention to the importance of appreciating language when it is heard...he wans focussing on young children - but by extension, it is so important not to just see the word on screen and paper - but also to hear it.
Sorry to repeat posts - I've just left a similar one on Tania Hershman's blog too - but it is such an important message, hope you dont mind it here too!.
Are the Beeb planning to replace the stories with plays, do you think? Or game shows and reality guff?
Sarah Crown reports that the story is to be replaced by current affairs, Vanessa.
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