LL
The main killer is its adherence to BBC Local Radio's Dave 'n' Sue format. Cabbies aside, London's Dave 'n' Sues are often in the suburbs and don't really identify with the rest of the capital in the same way - something which would affect any London TV station's attempt to chase the same audience. Indeed, in many parts of London will be able to get surrounding BBC stations in the Home Counties that they'll identify with more closely, especially on DAB. (Indeed, many of Greater London's Dave 'n' Sues wouldn't even consider themselves London residents anyway.)
On DAB I have BBC Surrey, which is a largely networked service from Brighton based BBC Sussex, with local breakfast and a 'newshour' from Guildford and BBC Radio Kent. The latter has older listeners from SE London in areas which were part of Kent until 1965, so is common to hear contributions from listeners in Bexleyheath .
In general, I'm not a fan of BBC local radio outside London either. There's too many fluff features, middle of the road music, where you're guaranteed to hear Phil Collins in an attempt to stay 'local' and dull interviews.
However, ironically the networked late shows are largely excellent. Paul Miller who broadcasts from Radio Solent, is heard on Kent and Surrey among others across the South of England who is warm, friendly and does features which work in that slot. The same can't be said for Duncan Barkes in the same slot on Radio London.
LR works when there's a big news story or severe weather, but outside of Breakfast/Drive, what is the use for it? John Myers was commissioned to compile a report of radical reforms which were largely ignored by the BBC hierarchy.
London Lite
Founding member
The main killer is its adherence to BBC Local Radio's Dave 'n' Sue format. Cabbies aside, London's Dave 'n' Sues are often in the suburbs and don't really identify with the rest of the capital in the same way - something which would affect any London TV station's attempt to chase the same audience. Indeed, in many parts of London will be able to get surrounding BBC stations in the Home Counties that they'll identify with more closely, especially on DAB. (Indeed, many of Greater London's Dave 'n' Sues wouldn't even consider themselves London residents anyway.)
On DAB I have BBC Surrey, which is a largely networked service from Brighton based BBC Sussex, with local breakfast and a 'newshour' from Guildford and BBC Radio Kent. The latter has older listeners from SE London in areas which were part of Kent until 1965, so is common to hear contributions from listeners in Bexleyheath .
In general, I'm not a fan of BBC local radio outside London either. There's too many fluff features, middle of the road music, where you're guaranteed to hear Phil Collins in an attempt to stay 'local' and dull interviews.
However, ironically the networked late shows are largely excellent. Paul Miller who broadcasts from Radio Solent, is heard on Kent and Surrey among others across the South of England who is warm, friendly and does features which work in that slot. The same can't be said for Duncan Barkes in the same slot on Radio London.
LR works when there's a big news story or severe weather, but outside of Breakfast/Drive, what is the use for it? John Myers was commissioned to compile a report of radical reforms which were largely ignored by the BBC hierarchy.