Archers fans in revolt as tale of everyday country folk turns into ‘Farmageddon’
OVER the past few months, the falling-out between fans of The Archers and the radio soap’s writers has been as gripping a plotline as any in Ambridge.
And now the listeners are in open revolt over what they claim are ‘ridiculous’ and ‘unrealistic’ developments in the sleepy fictional village.
They claim the storylines are more suited to a grittier drama such as EastEnders, for which The Archers’ acting editor John Yorke used to be executive producer. He took over in February while Vanessa Whitburn, the editor of 21 years, took a six-month break.
His arrival has coincided with a run of darker plots, including a hit-and-run that left a character in a coma, David and Ruth Archer becoming victims of witness intimidation, and an arson attack dubbed ‘Farmageddon’. Scores of fans have taken to internet messageboards to voice their disquiet and there is even a campaign entitled: ‘Is this the way we want The Archers to go?’
Attacking the Radio 4 soap’s ‘sinister’ tone, one fan said: ‘I’m a loyal listener who has stuck with it through many changes, but I’ve found myself switching off a lot recently because of the absurdity of the nonsensical storylines.’
Another pleaded: ‘Over the past six or seven months the storylines have become unrealistic and often with a “black” theme. Bring back some humour and sunshine.’
There are also concerns that more sensational storylines are a ploy to fulfil guidelines laid down by the BBC Trust to attract a younger, more metropolitan audience to Radio 4.
One fan complained: ‘Why does the BBC think we want sensationalism all the time? All they are doing is alienating a long- standing listener base.’
Another asked: ‘Who is writing this stuff? The Archers has become ridiculous, predictable, depressing and totally “dumbed down”.
‘The acting on this latest episode was absolutely diabolical, with inane comments from practically everyone.
‘I used to enjoy this programme, now I listen to it with incredulity and try to imagine the type of audience that the BBC is aiming for.’
Ratings on the show peaked at more than five million for its 60th anniversary episode in 2011 and now average around 4.85million.