When Nick Clarke died Radio 4 went into “Princess Diana” mode in their hagiography. Media organisations tend to do this when it’s one of their own. I’m still not sure if BBC7 has achieved closure on the death of Linda Smith – yet another “tribute” popped up only a few weeks ago. Both individuals appeared so modest and self-effacing, one imagines that if there were an afterlife they would be squirming with embarrassment.
From all the Nick Clarke gushing you could have easily gained the impression that no-one could possibly fill Nick Clarke’s shoes. Yet Shaun Ley has done this with ease, bringing the same calm, sober approach to The World at One. I enjoy listening to Shaun as much as I did Nick.
You can imagine my surprise when it was announced that Martha Kearney had been appointed as the new presenter of wato. I had assumed they already had one in Shaun Ley. So why the change? I can’t help thinking that she was given the job as a runner’s-up prize after losing out to Nick Robinson. It helps the BBC avoid being charged with “sexism”, even if it does nothing for Shaun. Can you possibly imagine the hoo-ha that would have erupted had they parachuted in Shaun to replace Martha. Don’t go there!
So tuning in to Radio 4 at 2pm today (French time) I was dismayed to hear that M-Day had finally arrived. Fortunately as Martha is doing a “Chris Evans”, Shaun can still be heard on Friday’s (as well as on Sunday). Until then I’ll stick with the excellent Steve Yabsley on BBC Radio Bristol.