Letter: Radio voice for the regions

Sir: While naturally pleased with the overall message of your leader "Let's turn up support for our national voice" (24 August), I was disappointed to read your reference to BBC local radio as an example of something the BBC does badly.

Some seven million people listen to BBC local radio stations in England each week, making it one of the BBC's most popular radio services. Moreover, during the 1990s BBC local radio has focused on being a speech-led service of comprehensive local news, current affairs information and discussion, enabling it to provide a truly distinctive and valued role in the local radio marketplace at a time when the commercial sector is predominantly offering music.

MARK BYFORD

Director of Regional Broadcasting

BBC

London W1