Tune into Hurley campaign

The axing of the popular BBC Radio York presenter Mike Hurley, reported in the Diary previously, has infuriated many loyal listeners. That, and the end of Jonathan Cowap's Sunday phone-in, has prompted a revolt among the usually mild-mannered Radio York audience.

Since our last piece on the subject, more listeners have been in touch to complain to the Diary.

Philip Lickley, from Wheatlands Grove, York, has been a listener to the Hurley Burley show for several years, and was a regular contributor to the limericks competition.

"I am one of many Radio York listeners incensed by the cancelling of these two shows and the secrecy with which it was all done," he tells us.

"Like many other residents of York, I believe Radio York and station boss Matt Youdale are hiding behind the BBC cuts. Now York residents have no opportunities in the weekly schedule to air local issues - which surely is the point of local radio - with the only talk show being evening's Newstalk, which has both limited time and limited issues: namely, national news stories."

He added: "Radio York is being bombarded by letters, e-mails, phone calls and postings on their internet message board, which shows the level of discontent."

"Saturday morning without Mike is not the same. He was witty, original and great company for three hours," says Mary Seager, of Crossgates, near Scarborough. "I also listened to the phone-in on Sunday mornings."

Harley Davidson-riding Starbeck resident Bill Shaw is disgusted with the move. "Mike Hurley with Sally on Saturday mornings was a unique, brilliant double-headed show with a loyal following."

Karen Allison and her husband told the Diary: "It is our understanding, from a very reliable source, that Mr Hurley was informed as long ago as early February that his programme was to be axed. Mr Youdale appears to be attempting to blame the recently-announced BBC cutbacks for Mr Hurley's departure."

Another listener complained that this was an example of the Beeb dumbing down. And a different source says the decision goes against the corporation's pledge of openness: "All the staff in fact were sworn to secrecy after the changes were revealed in the internal station bulletin, 'Yorkie' - but at no time the were the presenters allowed to say their goodbyes to their listeners."

WE put all these points to the mighty Beeb and asked for a response from Matt Youdale. Alas, a bland statement attributed to a faceless "BBC spokesperson" was the result, ignoring many of the points above.

It reiterated Radio York's need to make savings as part of across-the-board corporation cuts. "But there are both financial and programming reasons for the changes, which were introduced after a great deal of thought."

Altering the schedule was necessary from time to time for the station to remain fresh and distinct.

"First and foremost with any schedule change is our commitment to serve our audience and the views of our listeners are extremely important. In fact BBC Radio York has recently re-introduced a folk show as a result."

In conclusion, "We understand that any change can be unsettling for our listeners and would encourage them to contact us directly if they have any comments on our programmes."

We are sure listeners will take up that invitation.

Updated: 10:52 Monday, April 11, 2005