Good Morning Ulster’s revamp divides listeners
LISTENERS woke up to a new sound yesterday after the BBC’S Good Morning Ulster underwent a revamp.
They were greeted with a more serene theme tune dominated by piano as the programme started at 6.30am.
“You may have noticed there’s a few wee changes this morning,” presenter Chris Buckler said.
While the format remains largely the same, some items such as Thought For The Day will run at different times.
“New Ye a r, new t u n e s ,” chipped in co-host Sarah Brett before Mr Buckler offered the listeners the chance to have their say
pinion was divided. One text from listener Freddie was read out saying he didn’t like it.
“I think Freddie might be playing devil’s advocate a bit,” said Ms Brett.
“How can you not like that? Wonderful new music we all absolutely love. So, sucks boo to you.”
Another said the change in tone made the show sound like US beach lifeguard drama Baywatch.
“I keep expecting Chris and
Sarah to blow a whistle,” the message added.
“I’m the Hoff,” added Ms Brett. One Twitter user said it reminded them of Pebble Mill, the BBC’S early afternoon light entertainment magazine show that ran from 1972.
“Hoping the new incidental/ continuity music grows on me,” they added.
“I suppose the fact that I noticed means it is sort of working!! I’m not sure yet.”
Belfast Telegraph columnist Gareth Brown said it sounded good. Another user, however, described it as “desperate”.
Last year Radio Ulster’s flagship early morning news programme went through a transformation after presenters Noel Thompson and Karen Patterson departed.
Mr Buckler and Ms Brett joined regular Joel Taggart on the show in April.
In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Ms Brett said it was a dream role for her, although with the impact of the pandemic, it had meant she was unable to actually see her co-host Buckler in person as she was working remotely.
“Good Morning Ulster was the job that I always really wanted,” she added.