BBC radio host, 92, slams bosses over ‘destruction’ of beloved present
Bill Rennells has hit out on the BBC for axing his radio present Harmony Night.
The BBC’s oldest host Bill, 92, noticed his programme come to an finish on New Year’s Eve.
He insisted the ‘destruction’ of his call-in present, which was broadcast on BBC Radio Oxford, Kent and Berkshire, was ‘merciless’.
The programme, which was on air from 10pm for 3 hours each Sunday night time and was obtainable on BBC Sounds, was given the chop by bosses as a part of cuts to BBC Local Radio.
A petition was began by listeners in a bid to maintain Harmony Night on air however followers of the present didn’t succeed.
Bill Rennells has hit out on the BBC for axing his radio present Harmony Night, insisting the ‘destruction’ of his call-in present was ‘merciless’
Bill – who beforehand hosted the late night time programme Nightride on BBC Radio 2 for 14 years – instructed The Sun: ‘So many adjectives have been used for the destruction of our stunning Harmony Night and the league chief of these is “cruel”. Our final night time was so emotional.
‘It is ludicrous that they destroyed us when the programme was on the peak of its power and recognition.’
Dilys Bound, who began the petition to maintain Harmony Night going, wrote on-line: ‘The programme is exclusive, because the content material is chosen by the listeners, who’re an integral a part of the present, as they’re inspired to name/message in to talk privately with the presenters, then select a report to be performed for them the next week.
‘Life could be a lot lonelier for a lot of listeners, as this programme is a lifeline to the skin world for them, being a uncommon alternative for contact they might in any other case not have.
‘Bill Rennells has acknowledged: that the programme means a lot to him, as he values all his listeners. He is a superb host. Plus the 2 co-presenters based mostly at Radio Oxford want the programme to proceed.’
BBC bosses are actually investing extra money within the native content material that’s obtainable on BBC Sounds following adjustments in listening habits.
A BBC spokesperson instructed MailOnline: ‘We wish to thank Bill for all of his work on Local and Network Radio all through his profession with the BBC.
‘We are grateful for the dedication, time and vitality that Bill put into the presentation and manufacturing of Harmony Night and the years he labored as a sports activities reporter and commentator at BBC Radio Oxford.
The programme, which was on air from 10pm for 3 hours each Sunday night time and was obtainable on BBC Sounds, was given the chop by bosses (pictured in 1978)
‘As Bill says, this isn’t goodbye, and we’ve mentioned that we’re eager to work with him on concepts sooner or later.
‘We have constantly mentioned that we’re dedicated to offering a powerful, inventive, native radio service for listeners throughout England and we’ve maintained all 39 Local Radio Stations.
‘The price range for BBC Local companies has not been reduce, however viewers habits are altering, and licence payment payers need extra content material obtainable to them when they need it.
‘So we’ve invested in offering extra native digital information and we’ve elevated the native content material obtainable on BBC Sounds.’
