RADIO CHOICE

EUROPEANS became lactose-tolerant at some time during the Bronze Age. Now, we seem to be reversing that trend as sales of milk in Europe and the U.S. decline. As demand dwindles, the sales of plantbased alternatives such as soya and almond milk are on the rise. THE FOOD CHAIN: GOING OFF COW’S MILK? (BBC WORLD SERVICE, 11.30AM, 10.30PM) hears from nutritionists, milk marketers and economists about the implications of this trend.

THE MERCURY PRIZE (BBC 6 MUSIC, 7PM) was set up in 1992 as an alternative to the increasingly glitzy Brit Awards. It’s open to any British or Irish bands, and this year’s shortlist includes Sons Of Kemet, Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, Wolf Alice and Richard Russell’s

collaborative project, Everything Is Recorded. Tom Ravenscroft (pictured) presents live coverage of an event that includes interviews with nominees and performances from the shortlisted artists.

NASHVILLE’S Joshua Hedley earned himself the name Mr Jukebox because he could sing any classic country song an audience might ask for. He is in the studio for tonight’s BOB HARRIS COUNTRY (RADIO 2, 8PM) to sing tracks from his new album. Bob also brings us up to date on this week’s new country releases.