3 Long Hours

A rather testing, but amusing assignment is before me.  I must construct a presentation on the News Agenda of the Southern Daily Echo and BBC Radio Solent.

Currently listening to BBC Solent, waiting for news bulletins (which are on the hour), I am not quite captured by content or music.  I think I’ve been transported back to the Seventies – although this is then broken up by the drone of James Blunt.  It’s obvious I am not in their target audience and I’m rather amused by their discussion of ‘reality’ programmes on TV.  Generally the consensus for listeners phoning in is that they are a waste of time and money.  An interview with the presenter’s daughter also brought a smile to my face; it’s clear the presenter is quite ‘aware’ of the reality shows available, although he tries to sit on the fence for those listeners who probably have no idea about them.

I must admit, although the station is not my cup of tea – it’s factually interesting, as well as intellectually stimulating.  Apart from the presenter’s slight annoying voice, their interviewing skills are very good, and it must appeal to those listeners.  It’s an intelligent radio station.

On the other hand, the Southern Daily Echo is also not ‘floating my boat’.  All that I can describe this to be is ‘garish’. I’m not too keen on the tabloid nature of the newspaper, and the news agenda of the paper is quite random.  I’m not too sure I would organise the stories in that way.  However, it is obviously a local paper, and this is why it is bought.  It’s packed full of what could be considered not very important ‘news’, but then if you live in the Hampshire area, it’s much more relevant.

Maybe it’s me that has the problem – as I’m not really concerned over the area.  As a ‘migrant’ from Surrey, I’m not too bothered about Southampton news, I’d rather read about London and reports from the commuter belt.  I’m also rather prejudiced about the inhabitants of the surrounding areas of Southampton, which lessens my interest even more. I should probably accept I no longer live in that area.  Of course, if I were a paid journalist employed to find out about Fareham’s stray dog service, I’d be 110% concerned!