Episode description
Roger Bolton explores whether recent major incident coverage has been too graphic and intrusive and why the BBC is making signing in to iPlayer Radio compulsory, and also goes behind the scenes at Dame Hilary Mantel's Reith lectures.
In the light of major terror attacks in London and Manchester, followed by the tragic fire in West London, listeners give their reactions to the BBC's coverage. Did the reporting veer too often towards sensationalism or was it upsetting but essential? Roger chairs a listener discussion on when it's appropriate for BBC Radio to seek out and broadcast first hand accounts of those caught up in traumatic events.
The BBC has been phasing in compulsory sign in for iPlayer Radio - and many listeners are very unhappy, claiming it's inconvenient and unnecessary. Roger takes their concerns to myBBC launch director Andrew Scott.
And the Reith Lectures are one of BBC Radio's great institutions. They've been running since 1948 and have changed little since. Roger heads to Stratford upon Avon to go behind the scenes at a recording for this year's lectures and talks to Dame Hilary Mantel and Sue Lawley about the the format's lasting appeal.
Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.