BBC disrespectful to ignore critics, says axed radio host

A VETERAN BBC presenter has accused the corporation of showing disrespect to licence fee payers by failing to address criticisms in public.

Roger Bolton, who hosted Feedback for 23 years before his final show on Friday, told listeners he got “very angry” at managers who refused to be interviewed after legitimate complaints.

The former Panorama editor said: “The BBC have decided someone else needs to take it over,” adding: “Obviously, I’d have liked to have continued.”

In his last words for the programme, which airs complaints, praise and other views sent in by listeners about BBC radio programmes, Bolton said: “The BBC belongs to all who pay for it, not those who are paid by it.”

Asked about managers refusing to give an interview when a legitimate request was made in his last broadcast, the 78-year-old said: “On the whole they refuse far more times than they accept and I get very angry, actually, on behalf of you all.”

Simon O’hagan, a Radio Times journalist, said Bolton’s last programme was a “really classy sign-off ”.

Jeremy Vine, the Radio 2 presenter, added it was “sad [that the episode] was Roger Bolton’s last” and David Shukman, former BBC News science editor, said: “An incredible voice, ruthless questions, utterly charming manner and now a major loss.”

A Radio 4 spokesman said: “We want to thank Roger for being a brilliant presenter of Feedback for 23 years.”

The Daily Telegraph understands Feedback will be moving to an independent supplier with a new presenter to be announced soon, after a recent tendering process.