World of Music to be cut

[dlake02]

As a sometimes ex-pat, it looks like one of the highlights of my week, "World of Music" is being slashed by the BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11404120

Put together with the loss of the Proms on the World Service, and it looks like the Arts is in for at least a rough-a-ride as in the 1980s.

Cultural murder.

[Rob Hall]

Damn. That is bad news.

[Hugh Weldon]

I only tuned in occasionally when Charlie did it, but what I remember was the way he used to share the emails he had about it from people all over the globe obviously being intrigued and excited by all sorts of music.

Just how much does it save to cut a half hour programme that relies I imagine on contracts for one presenter, one producer and some technical support and studio time? Not a great deal I'd imagine. I work just down the road from Bush House, I'm thinking of doing a one man picket and protest.

[Chris P]

shocking sense of judgement & priorities

[Rob Hall]

Just how much does it save to cut a half hour programme that relies I imagine on contracts for one presenter, one producer and some technical support and studio time? Not a great deal I'd imagine.

It's not about the numbers. It's about being seen to be doing something.

[garth cartwright]

That's awful. I thought Mark Coles was doing a very good job - like Charlie he was very wide ranging so could go from Son House to a Balkan pop band in the same show and keep it interesting.

[AndyM]

The whole World Service is reputedly under threat from our lovely coalition government.

[kastamonu]

Gutted......

[Roger Bradley]

In case you missed it, Mark Coles confirmed in the latest programme that World of Music will end its run in March 2011 as part of "the cuts at the BBC". As has been said already it's difficult to see any great saving is to be made by this short-sighted decision. Music brings the world together far more effectively than political discussion.

[judith]

This is horrible news and not simply because of the loss of this show but the anxiety about what more to come. Like many many people outside the UK, I have relied on the BBC and many of their programs my entire radio/tv life for that which I cannot access anywhere else and for that which the alternatives are of lesser quality.

[kas]

And the entire World Service as well? What idiotic policy making!

I couldn't help noticing that the latest World of Music set includes Fela's "Bad Government". Nice touch.

[Chris P]

I enjoyed last weekends programme - some good music choices by Mark Coles. A programme that continues to send out something positive & interesting across the globe. Its future loss is further proof that the BBC programmers and costcutters don't know the value of what they've got

[guild.navigator]

I have enjoyed this program for years, but am disappointed to learn it will be coming to an end. Every week I buy myself a nice craft beer & stay awake till 2:30 AM and enjoy the world of music. There is always something I hear that I must try to track down and learn more about. The US has become a backward country, but this program has always filled me with hope that there is more out there. It is sad to see that the foolishness here has spread elsewhere. The world of music will be sorely missed. Thank you Mark Coles for stepping up to host this fantastic program. RIP Charlie Gillett.

[kastamonu]

I have enjoyed this program for years, but am disappointed to learn it will be coming to an end. Every week I buy myself a nice craft beer & stay awake till 2:30 AM and enjoy the world of music. There is always something I hear that I must try to track down and learn more about. The US has become a backward country, but this program has always filled me with hope that there is more out there. It is sad to see that the foolishness here has spread elsewhere. The world of music will be sorely missed. Thank you Mark Coles for stepping up to host this fantastic program. RIP Charlie Gillett.

What a nice post - thank you! Couldn't agree more about the foolishness spreading elsewhere!

On a happier note here in Turkey - You Tube is finally back after a two-year ban! - Hip hip hooray - a tad less foolishness in this neck of the woods today!

[kastamonu]

Quite superb - thank you Mark - you are a star! (hopefully the BBC World Service will somehow get to see some of these supportive posts before next Spring!!!!)