Wednesday 20 July 2011

Radio 4 and Short Stories- Help save them...

More bad news for short story writers has been announced, from next spring Radio 4 will be reducing their short story slots from three a week to one- read the Bookseller article here.

The Society of Authors (SoA) have written to the BBC Radio 4 controller Gwyneth Williams, saying "We were astonished to hear this news, not least because at recent meetings you reiterated the BBC's commitment to showcasing new and original writing." (You can read the complete letter on the SoA link.)

There are also related links on the SoA page and you can also see the current signatories to the petition and their comments.

There is an online petition at the National Short Story Week website, so you can show your support too by signing up- I've signed today, and all you need to give is your name, e-mail address and any comment you wish to add- after you sign the petition there is an option to donate to iPetitions to keep it free, but no donation is necessary to add your name to the petition.

So if you love the short story, sign the petition and/or send your comments to: Gwyneth Williams, Controller BBC Radio 4, Broadcasting House, London W1A 1AA.

3 comments:

Helen Baggott said...

I haven't listened to Radio 4 for years. But I do remember the stories. I'd hate to think they had disappeared for no good reason.

Patsy said...

It's starting to seem as though there's a conspiracy to get rid of short stories.

Carolb said...

You're right Baggy, there really isn't a good reason to lose them.

Patsy I do think there is a problem with those in control of making the decisions.
If they don't appreciate short stories themselves, or understand how many listeners/readers do enjoy them, they won't think twice about getting rid of them.
Sadly they have more power to decide the outcome than the listener and reader does.