This weeks Radio Times has published a Q&A session with Bob Shennan, 
controller of Radio 2 and 6 Music. The questions were put by a number of 
R.T. readers. I can't find it on the web, so here it is in full (apart from 
the questioners names), as printed on page 145 of this week's R.T., 17th - 
23rd October 2009.

Q. When Chris Evans takes over from Terry Wogan, how will it affect the Dawn 
patrol? We've heard that Chris will start at 7am.
A. "The early morning schedule is still in the planning stages but I can 
reassure you that Sarah Kennedy's airtime will not be reduced."

Q. Was Chris Evans the automatic choice to replace Wogan? Were Johnnie 
Walker or Richard Allinson considered?
A. "I felt Chris was the natural choice. His drivetime show is listened to 
by over 5 million people every week. He recently won two Sony Awards and has 
been welcomed into the role by Terry himself. Listen in January and give him 
a chance!"

Q. Why is Radio 2 trying to attract the shrinking "yoof" audience, rather 
than the "cardigan and nostalgia" listeners, its original target audience?
A. "I wouldn't give older audiences that label. Music is about attitude, not 
age: we receive letters from 60-year-olds requesting The Killers, and calls 
from 35-year-old Wogan fans. The average age of R2 listeners has stayed 
steady at 50 for the past 5 years. We'll continue to target audiences of 
35+."

Q. Why is Radio 2 phasing out easy listening? Do you intend dropping Desmond 
Carrington and David Jacobs?
A. "We're not, and we don't. Desmond and David are an integral part of the 
schedule and as I'm a huge fan of both, they aren't going anywhere!"

Q. I like the documentaries Radio 2 has been running recently, but why have 
they been on so late? Is this something you want to develop?
A. "Our documentaries remain key to the diversity of the network. Yes, I 
will see if there's an opportunity to move them earlier. In the next few 
months, we have programmes on the fall of the Berlin Wall, the lives of Nana 
Mouskouri and Benny Goodman, and Spandau Ballet and Monty Python."

Q. How long before Jonathan Ross can broadcast live again? And admit it: 
Russell Brand was brilliant and we need him back. How about it?
A. "Jonathan's show has retained its energy and spontaneity since becoming 
pre-recorded. We'll keep it under review. Although Russell is a unique 
broadcaster, there are no plans for him to return to Radio 2."

Q. With arts programmes dying on TV, isn't there an opportunity for 6 Music 
to do in-depth profiles and interviews about pop musicians?
A. "6 Music's deep knowledge, and access to the BBC archive, allow it to 
offer in-depth profiles, and it does so. But our focus will remain on 
music."

jim, Northampton