"Just Go Away Now"

Tonight sees the first episode of the anticipated Gloria Estefan's Latin Beat
on BBC Radio 2, as produced by Karen and the Folded Wing team who
were at the early stages of preparation on my second week at the
production company.

To say I had a hand in the making would be complete nonsense, as
a more fitting description would be that of me having just the tip of
one of my fingers in the making.

That said, it will be a superb series and according to the review in
the Radio Times, the programme itself is a lot better than the press-release
makes it out to be.

One of Folded Wing's other success stories Jamie Cullum was on the
panel for a seminar at this week's Radio Festival about the number of
presenters who get into radio on their success at another profession.

However although I've yet to hear the seminar in full, it gave the idea
that if the presenter is off a certain field of expertise, and can offer
their knowledge to a programme of that subject then it's not a problem.

It certainly works for Jamie Cullum's jazz show, and Robbie Savage on 606
as they're actually bringing something entertaining and interesting for
the listener.

My objection is that of Radio 2 getting big name celebrities to cover
for their daytime output what with Miranda Hart, and John Bloody Barrowman
filling the spots what could be filled by radio presenters who deserve to
be heard to a wider audience.

Radio 2's excuse is that it's an "entertainment station", although that
phrasing immediately reminds me of the Frances Line era, and how
she wanted the station and especially it's music to provide "melody"
and "familiarity".

A move which prompted presenter David Hamilton to move into commercial
radio in order to play "More Madonna and less Mantovani!"

That said, Gloria will come up with the goods, even if the show itself
would be more suited to the summer months.