DJ Ritu through A World In London is the only UK representative on the influential European World Music Charts. Losing this show will mean that the UK will no longer be represented on the panel!
ALERT! BBC Radio London 94.9 have axed DJ Ritu's "A World In London"! For many years, BBC London 94.9FM's Saturday evenings have included a programme which in simple terms might be described as 'a world music show'. Yet it is so much more! From community notice board, to a catalyst and meeting place for music made by all cultures in one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world.
I received this today, seems like the planning including replacements was done a good while ago...
ReplyDeleteDear Mr Stewart
Thanks for contacting us.
We raised your concerns with David Robey, the Managing Editor of BBC London 94.9 who replied as follows:
“Thank you for contacting us about the decision to end ‘A World in London’, the world music programme presented by DJ Ritu on BBC London 94.9. This was a difficult decision and was made after many months of careful consideration.
BBC London 94.9 is a speech-based service for London with news, sport, information and conversation at the core of our BBC local service commitment. More than 90 per cent of our output each week is speech-led, with six hours each morning and five hours each evening devoted to all-speech news, debate and sport.
The overwhelming majority of our listeners tune into BBC London 94.9 for news, information and conversation.
We also have speech-led programmes which cover London’s culture, entertainment and music, notably Robert Elms, Danny Baker and Gary Crowley who are renowned for their knowledge of music and London music in particular.
DJ Ritu’s programme will be replaced by a programme presented by two London Asian presenters, Sunny and Shay Grewel, who will cover the diversity of life in London, including its music. This programme will reflect our remit for London.
Music will continue to be part of our programme output; our music will continue to be drawn from a wide range of genres and cultures; our presenters already reflect the vast range of music in London. However, we believe it is vital to make those programmes as accessible as possible and our programmes and choices reflect that.
I recognise that as a supporter of Ritu’s programme, you are disappointed but I hope that you will take the opportunity to enjoy the BBC’s other world music programmes such as World Routes, World On 3 and a major new world music series presented by Andy Kershaw called Music Planet which begins on Thursday 13 January.”
We would like to assure you that we’ve registered your comments on our audience log. This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive, are circulated and considered across the BBC.
Thanks again for contacting us.
Kind Regards
BBC Audience Services