The BBC and good taste

John Dunne.

No, not the poet.

The former BBC Radio 2 presenter, who for many years presented the afternoon drive time programme.

Those of us of a certain age can remember when it was announced that John Dunne was going to retire from presenting his programme. The response from the listeners was OVERWHELMING.

John Dunne, you see, had a reputation for his courtesy and consideration. He was a lovely gentleman. He had for many years broadcast a programme that was a real pleasure to listen to. I recall his last programme, where his last interview was with Elton John (I think, correct me in the comments box if I am wrong). However, his interviewee had been briefed to turn the situation round and interview John ... It really was a wonderful piece of radio.

There was an uproar when Chris Evans was announced as successor in presenting the drive time programme. I contributed to that, thinking that Chris Evans was such an opposite (by reputation) to John Dunne that it was quite a blatant disregard of listeners to make this choice of presenter. I have to give Chris Evans credit, though, for not turning out to be anything like his reputation. There have been some moments where he has shown a real consideration for others involved in his show; and others where he mentions things from off-air conversations that he shouldn't really mention.

This is the BBC website's report of their apology for the recent antics of Jonathon Ross and Russell Brand. And I have just listened to a "Janet and John" story on the Terry Wogan show on Radio 2. These apparently innocuous stories each have a carefully threaded sexual innuendo, which becomes apparent in the punch line. The sale of CD collections of them have been used to fund raise for charity. This introduction of sexual reference has been an increasing feature of Terry Wogan's show over recent months.

I really would like to see further disciplinary action against Jonathon Ross and Russell Brand. Almost anyone else in a customer facing role who said/did anything like they did would face dismissal, possibly for gross misconduct.

And should we launch a boycott of Terry Wogan? And certainly don't buy the "Janet and John" CDs. It is a case of the "means" not justifying the "end". Terry - why can't your listeners come up with an alternative to "Janet and John" that does not have the innuendo?

John Dunne represents a role model too easily forgotten. Remember, BBC, the overwhelming response of the listeners when he left his programme.