The NEW Central West and BBC Midlands thread

I usually find people in broadcasting who are described as 'legends', are generally past their sell-by date and not very good at their job anymore. People just like them simply because they've been around a long time and are somehow familiar and comforting.

When listening to that interview with a few colleages in the office the other day, the biggest gasp from everyone came when Les Ross claimed he didn't do any research because, "I'm British!" The implication, whether intended or not, was that he didn't consider Hardeep to be British.

The impression I got was that he was floored by the fact he was interviewing someone Asian, and conducted the interview as if he was interviewing someone of a different species, rather than just another human being. The fact he'd clearly not prepared or researched just left him floundering and sounding like a fool.

I've never particularly liked Hardeep Singh Kohli, but felt real sympathy for him during that interview.

Yep - I reacted very similarly to that comment... Not sure if that was Les's intent - but many would have inferred that I'm sure.

That's o.k., James is fine (I think) - no, I haven't seen Lloyd anywhere else so maybe just filling in?

Lucy Monday & Tuesday made a nice change - certainly loves the camera does Lucy! Jo back today.

Talking of Holiday's, on Midlands Today Genelle, Simon & Shefali all off today (don'y they have a "wallplanner" so the weather came from London

And The Stirrer lays into Central (and Midlands Today)

http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/central-beating-2409081.html

Two things, one can you spot the libel? Ironically in a story moaning about a drop off in reporting standards. Secondly this bit "Bob Hall (albeit possibly the best broadcaster in the Midlands)".... Oh RLY?!

Lucy and Bob made a strange pair, old Bob didn't seem to be that comfortable with Lucy and her presenting style and chat.

Unlike today where Bob was getting Jo all hot under the collar etc with his steamy hot oral delivery of a Mills and Boon.

Jo's doing another panto this season so I think she's going to be busy rehearsing. Meanwhile Annette , Lucy maybe even some other reporter will be filling her slot.

please let it be Lucy or Llewella. Anyone but icy Annette.

i was more of an ann nankeville fan myself.

shame the piece descended into a rant really, completely over-shadows the argument that the central region is far too big to be covered in one programme.

Hmm.

Catching up on the Les Ross situation, after a few days 'back in real life'.

This Hardeep guy, I seem to recall, got fired from the Sport Relief Apprentice prog earlier this year.

Seemed a right miserable git, from what I remember, then again he was paired up with the likes of Kelvin McKenzie(The most popular newspaper editor in Liverpool... not!) & Lembit Opik!

Nice to see someone else is reading 'The Stirrer' besides me.

That'll please Mr Goldberg!

Did anyone catch Les's 'Vinyl Day' on Friday ?

You can 'Listen Again'(or listen for the first time in my case!) for the next few days!

Ah right, thanks for that. Perhaps freelancing, as you suggest

I quite like James Wright newsreading-- he's often filled in for Steve Clamp on Central East. When James is doing that, he's quite jovial and quick-witted when appropriate-- but not cheesy and 'fake' with it I think.

He did an excellent job with Lucy Kite a few weeks ago, they had good chemistry, as if they had been working together for years! He seems more relaxed newsreading, than when he's doing weather bulletins somehow in my view.

Speaking of Lucy Kite, odd coupling with Bob Warman as has been said-- polar opposites in way. Bob always comes across as a sober, cool and laid-back newsreader me-- whereas Lucy is quite ebullient. Nothing wrong with them or their styles individually (IMO), but not the best pairing I would say

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/mediamonkeyblog/2008/sep/26/radio

It appears that the Les Ross interview with Hardeep was pre-recorded, and they decided to run it anyway? Stranger and stranger... Did they think that Les came out of it well?