Protect the BBC’S best

SIR – As a former BBC Radio 4 commissioning editor, I am – along with the rest of the independent production sector – deeply concerned by Ofcom’s proposals to reduce the BBC’S radio obligations, which would remove quotas in some very important genres (Letters, September 12).

The BBC is supposed to be distinctive, and the independent production sector’s view is that requirements for genres such as drama and comedy on Radio 4 and drama on Radio 3 need to remain, as well as other requirements, such as content from the UK’S nations. They are much loved by audiences, for whom they make the BBC distinctive from commercial radio.

Radio also allows the BBC to pilot new comedy and drama, which sometimes transfer to television.

We fear there may be a generic broad-brush approach to future budget cuts that disproportionately affects radio production. For example, Radio 4 drama currently only just exceeds the 600 hours previously stipulated by the BBC Trust, and we fear that this level could be reduced significantly.

We are making the case to Ofcom for the retention of these regulations, so that we continue to have distinctive, high-quality BBC radio services.

Caroline Raphael

Vice-chairman Radio Independents Group London N10