BBC Yalding House
152/156 Great Portland Street
London W1N 6AJ
From Controller, Radio 1

15th June 2000

Dear Lorcan,

Thank you for your letter of 14th June. I haven't actually received it yet, but since you posted it on your website in advance of its arrival, I thought I should reply. I don't know how long this correspondence is going to last, but at this rate you might even be able to save yourself the cost of postage.

I haven't been able to discuss other slots for Andy Kershaw on BBC Radio because nothing has yet been confirmed and the negotiations are, as you would expect, confidential. However, there are definite plans for a series of programmes by Andy Kershaw on Radio 3 in the Autumn. I also know that talks are taking place in the next few days about a more regular slot for him on the same network.

As for an explanation, I can hardly do better than to quote Ian Anderson on the folk music newsgroup "By all the usual age/social class yardsticks, Andy's listener profile is quite likely to be a good match with what Radio 2 consider their main listener catchment....." Radio 1's remit is clear - to bring the best new music to the widest possible young audience. Young in this case is defined as between 15 and 24. World Music, as recognised by Andy Kershaw, sells mainly to over 35's.

Those areas of world music that have more appeal to a younger audience are well reflected on Gilles Peterson's show, and will also be the backbone of the "One World" series.

Although there is clearly a well organised and heartfelt campaign against our decision, the response has not been overwhelming by any means. You should remember as well, that radio 1 now has nearly 14 million listeners every week, and that 55 percent of the UK's under-25's are regular listeners.

Yours sincerely,

Ian Parkinson