The BBC, putting quality first?

In Mark Thompson's blog he states:

Today I'm going to set out the conclusions of a piece of strategic thinking we've done over the past few months. We're calling it 'Putting quality first'.

I immediately have a problem with this title.  Thompson is proposing axing quality stations BBC 6 Music and the Asian Network, which offer a service not found elsewhere on radio.  At the same time BBC 3 remains untouched, a station which offers us such gems as:

• Snog, Marry Avoid? 
• Hotter Than My Daughter 
• The Undercover Princesses 
• From WAGS to Riches 
• Freaky Eaters
• Addicted to Boob Jobs 

I could go on, but you get the idea.  You can see a full list of the trite offered at http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/programmes/a-z/by/a/all

The BBC meets its public service mandate by offering the forementioned radio stations, but not by BBC 3, which offers the same sort of programmes available on numerous digital channels.

Please send your feedback about the proposed closures to srconsultation@bbc.co.uk or fill in the questionnaire at  http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consultations/departments/bbc/bbc-strategy-review/consultation/consult_view

Please join the Facebook group in support of BBC 6 music at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?src=fftb#!/group.php?gid=278123313911&ref=ts

Sign the petition at http://www.petition.fm/petitions/6musicasiannet/

And if Tweeting use the hash tag #savebbc6music

Please also fax your MP asking them to sign EDM 963 calling for 6 music and the Asian Network to be saved.

Save BBC 6 music

I was mortified when I read the story in the Times on Thursday reporting that the BBC are planning to axe BBC 6 Music and the Asian Network.

The NUJ confirmed the story on their website:

Jeremy Dear and Gerry Morrissey, general secretaries of the National Union of Journalists and BECTU respectively, received a detailed briefing from Lucy Adams, director BBC People, this morning, confirming media reports as largely correct.

BBC 6 music fills a gap in the market, which no other station covers. It is for those of use who find the music and presenting of Radio 1 to be too immature and that of Radio 2 to be aimed at the older listener.

The station gives us such fine talent as Adam and Joe and Collins and Herring, which I religiously listen to every Saturday morning.

Please join the Facebook group in support of BBC 6 music at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?src=fftb#!/group.php?gid=278123313911&ref=ts

Sign the petition at http://www.petition.fm/petitions/6musicasiannet/

And if Tweeting use the hash tag #savebbc6music

If the BBC need to save money they need to start looking at some of the ludicrous salaries paid to its top presenters.