Letter: Muddled heads in BBC radio

Sir: Voice of the Listener and Viewer welcomes the proposal in your leading article ('Public service that neglects public opinion', 12 October). The decision by BBC governors to accept the arguments of the Board of Management for the axeing of children's and youth programmes on Radio 5 is ill- timed and short-sighted.

In its response to the Government Green Paper on the future of the BBC, we proposed that an independent consumer council for broadcasting should be established. Contrary to the impression given in today's letter from the Shadow Heritage Secretary, Ann Clwyd, it is in the interests of viewers and listeners that the council's remit should cover all broadcasting services, however funded.

Yours faithfully,

JOCELYN HAY

Chairman, Voice of the

Listener & Viewer

Gravesend, Kent

13 October