Is BBC radio ignoring its core audience?

HOW I agree that BBC radio is obsessed with ‘yoof’ culture (Letters). Radio 1 and 2 hardly differ in their choice of music, and the presenters are childishly manic and tiresome. These stations should merge, leaving room for the more discerning listener who likes a good song from Sinatra, a bit of swing by Glenn Miller and a show-stopping number from the stage or screen.

RAPH FORD, Musbury, Devon.

IT’S not just Radio 2 and 4, we have the same problems on Radio 3. The frequent programme trailers are extremely annoying. Programmes appear to be geared to attracting a younger audience — on Saturday afternoons, there is a video games music programme. Also, it seems fashionable to have presenters talking us through their favourite music while it’s playing. The standard reply to complaints is: ‘We can’t please everyone.’ Well, they could if the station played uninterrupted music.

F. M. LATTY, East Bridgford, Notts.

I’VE been listening to Radio 2 for years and thoroughly enjoy presenters Trevor Nelson and Ken Bruce. I also like lively Sara Cox and Zoe Ball. And where would we be without PopMaster?

LESLEY BELL, Leeds.

IS THE strategy of employing zany, verbose radio presenters more to do with a requirement for less music to be played? There has been an increased number of phone-ins, silly games, quizzes and chats with various guests. Steve Wright’s 30 minutes of non-stop oldies is followed by 15 minutes of chat with a celebrity who happens to be in the building to redress the balance.

ROB PRICKETT, Milton Keynes, Bucks.

ALL WE want is the music we’ve grown up with, information about the artists and some light-hearted discussion. Terry Wogan got it right and Ken Bruce does, too. The last thing we want early in the morning is inane, loud chatter and Primal Scream.

LYNN DOHERTY, Narberth, Pembs.