By Gabriel Princewill-
BBC Radio 4 has been accused of being “too woke”, igniting a fiery debate about its role in reflecting societal changes in Britain.
Controller of Radio 4, Mohit Bakaya, (pictured) is dealing with a multitude of challenges, including audience decline and evolving listener habits, but now the allegations of being overly “woke” have taken center stage. It is a contentious topic; one with the potential for acrimony in some quarters internally, but which really calls for sober discussion and engagement.
The term ‘woke ‘ is derived from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning “alert to racial prejudice and discrimination”. In the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities such as racial injustice, sexism, and denial of LGBT rights.
Underlying the criticism is the idea that too much attention is being given to pushing for a semblance of anti discriminative practices by demonstrating protection for marginalized groups in a manner not considered defensible by objectors of this practise.
A poignant example is a BBC review which found another Today presenter, Justin Webb, had broken impartiality rules by sharing his own opinion that trans women are “in other words males” on air in an item last August.
Bakaya, addressing these criticisms head-on, contends that Radio 4 serves as a mirror to a changing Britain.
He argued that as societal norms and values evolve, so too does the content of the station. According to him, Radio 4’s programming is a reflection of the diverse and dynamic landscape of contemporary Britain.
However, critics have raised concerns about the station’s purported shift towards “wokeness,” suggesting that it may be straying from its traditional role as a bastion of impartiality.
The departure of seasoned BBC veterans like Martha Kearney, Andrew Marr, and Emily Maitlis has fueled speculation about a broader trend within the broadcaster.
Kearney’s exit from her role as anchor of the Today programme, coupled with the departure of other prominent figures, has prompted questions about the station’s editorial direction.
Bakaya’s assertion that the replacement for Kearney should be based on merit rather than demographic considerations has stirred further debate about representation and inclusivity.
“Overall in broadcasting we are seeing people monetise the echo chamber and division, and that is dangerous. If Radio 4 didn’t exist, you’d have to invent it,” he said.
In a rare interview with the Telegraph , Bakava would not speculate on Kearney’s replacement on the Today programme, but said he gets “frustrated” by the reductive view that it “has to be a woman or a brown person … it has to be the best person”, while adding that the station also has to be “representative of the nation”.
Bakaya did admit that efforts have been made to ensure the Today programme has become “friendlier” in recent times, to make it easier for new listeners to navigate.
He described it as a balancing act between respecting the original audience and enticing new younger listeners at the station, when adapting to a world that is “changing fast”.
Amidst the turmoil, Bakaya emphasized the importance of maintaining Radio 4’s core audience while also appealing to younger listeners. He acknowledged the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, striving to navigate Radio 4 through an era of rapid societal change.
The recent schedule shake-up at Radio 4, including adjustments to flagship programs like The Archers and Desert Island Discs, reflects the station’s ongoing efforts to adapt to shifting audience preferences.
Bakaya’s decision to extend airtime for Desert Island Discs aims to enhance the listening experience, addressing criticisms about the depth of interviews.
However, as Radio 4 undergoes these transformations, questions linger about its commitment to impartiality from the perspective of its critics, and its role in fostering constructive dialogue in this regard.
Challenges
The rise of echo chambers and the monetization of division in broadcasting pose significant challenges to Radio 4’s mission of providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding Radio 4’s alleged “wokeness” reflects broader tensions within British society.
Britain has long been grappling with issues of identity, representation, and social justice, Radio 4 finds itself at the intersection of these complex dynamics.
Bakaya is facing mounting pressure to navigate the station through turbulent waters.
Radio 4 has the challenge of remaining a beacon of journalistic integrity without succumbing to any pressures of societal polarization. Yet, it is imperative that it remains fair and devoid of prejudice or discrimination.
Public broadcasters play a critical role in shaping the national conversation. This necessarily sometimes includes handling controversial and complex topics sensitively, but with a necessary level of expertise.
The nation will be the eyes and ears of the trajectory on which the station will follow, especially with its daunting task to compensate its rapidly falling audience.