Radio 4 has been a fantastic champion of the short story and short story writers for many years. It provides one of very few opportunities in the UK for both new and established writers to have their short stories broadcast to a large national audience, and for radio listeners to enjoy readings of the short story form.
As our national public service broadcaster we look to the BBC to continue its unparalleled commitment to the short story, and to writers, readers and listeners of short stories.
We the undersigned urge Gwyneth Williams, Controller of BBC Radio 4, to reverse the decision to reduce the short story output on Radio 4.
Updates
Reached 5,000 supporters
July 26, 2011
Reached 1,000 supporters
July 20, 2011
July 18, 2011
The sheer weight of this support has forced the BBC to acknowledge that they cannot gut our culture without a fight. Gwyneth Williams and her team clearly underestimated how many of us refuse to let them silence the short story on Radio 4.
Reached 100 supporters
July 18, 2011
8 Comments
I have been listening to BBC Radio 4 for over 40 years and have been stimulated in an entertaining way by its creative output. Often I have been moved, sometimes annoyed, occasionally outraged, by what I have heard. The short story slot, along with the afternoon play, has been a major stimulation in my "fictional" life and balanced the demands of my "normal" life. Changes to content, as in all evolutionary processes are desirable, but the closing down of successful formulae is not. Think again, middle management statisticians, and find somewhere else to ply your ill-considered ideas. (Join the Government-you'd be welcome there!)
As a newly emerging writer who has spent a lifetime listening to Radio 4 and looking forward to a time when I too could take time out to indulge my desire to write I am utterly disappointed that this opportunity to showcase work is being axed
Ridiculous decision. R4 is basically my only company during the day and losing these stories just makes the schedule feel so empty now.
Used to love listening while commuting but the quality seems to be dropping every year. Leave the stories alone!
SO DISAPPOINTED. why ruin something that actually works perfectly well?
I cherish this show!
A gentle voice across of sea of noise.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
Radio 4 has been a fantastic champion of the short story and short story writers for many years. It provides one of very few opportunities in the UK for both new and established writers to have their short stories broadcast to a large national audience, and for radio listeners to enjoy readings of the short story form.
As our national public service broadcaster we look to the BBC to continue its unparalleled commitment to the short story, and to writers, readers and listeners of short stories.
We the undersigned urge Gwyneth Williams, Controller of BBC Radio 4, to reverse the decision to reduce the short story output on Radio 4.
Updates
Reached 5,000 supporters
July 26, 2011
Reached 1,000 supporters
July 20, 2011
July 18, 2011
The sheer weight of this support has forced the BBC to acknowledge that they cannot gut our culture without a fight. Gwyneth Williams and her team clearly underestimated how many of us refuse to let them silence the short story on Radio 4.
Reached 100 supporters
July 18, 2011
8 Comments
when short story writing (and reading) boosted by the use of technology is at an all time high, it seems rather strange that the bbc has seen fit to reduce R4's output. and to be replaced by...what?
I have been listening to BBC Radio 4 for over 40 years and have been stimulated in an entertaining way by its creative output. Often I have been moved, sometimes annoyed, occasionally outraged, by what I have heard. The short story slot, along with the afternoon play, has been a major stimulation in my "fictional" life and balanced the demands of my "normal" life. Changes to content, as in all evolutionary processes are desirable, but the closing down of successful formulae is not. Think again, middle management statisticians, and find somewhere else to ply your ill-considered ideas. (Join the Government-you'd be welcome there!)
As a newly emerging writer who has spent a lifetime listening to Radio 4 and looking forward to a time when I too could take time out to indulge my desire to write I am utterly disappointed that this opportunity to showcase work is being axed
Ridiculous decision. R4 is basically my only company during the day and losing these stories just makes the schedule feel so empty now.
Used to love listening while commuting but the quality seems to be dropping every year. Leave the stories alone!
SO DISAPPOINTED. why ruin something that actually works perfectly well?
I cherish this show!
A gentle voice across of sea of noise.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 10,000 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
when short story writing (and reading) boosted by the use of technology is at an all time high, it seems rather strange that the bbc has seen fit to reduce R4's output. and to be replaced by...what?