In April 2021, I wrote about radio's response to the death of Prince Philip.
Prince Philip is not The Queen whose death will spark a more widespread emotional response.
Shortly after 12:30pm last Thursday (8th September), following the unusual passing of a note to the Prime Minister Liz Truss in the House of Commons, Buckingham Palace released a statement to say that doctors were concerned for Queen Elizabeth's health and that she was under medical supervision.
This would not have been published unless it was significant - and the country would begin to prepare for the worst over the next six hours.
Everybody in radio is doing the same thing.
— Harrison RB (@HarrisonRBRadio) September 8, 2022
At 6:30pm, the Palace confirmed that The Queen had died peacefully at Balmoral.
RadioToday reports that Times Radio was the first national station to break the news just one minute later.
At Global, after a pre-recorded network bulletin and several minutes of classical music, the entire group simulcast a special live programme from LBC hosted by Andrew Marr and Shelagh Fogarty until 10pm before each brand broke away for tailored Obit playlists which continued over the weekend, presenter-led.
Bauer's handling was similar, with a mix of news updates, sombre music to suit each format, reflections from presenters and listener interaction.
Best music radio I’ve heard tonight is @andycrane64 on @greatesthitsuk. Real and warm with listener interaction at the forefront - including a positive outlook following the King’s speech; refreshing to hear people looking to the future as opposed to purely dwelling on the past.
— Harrison RB (@HarrisonRBRadio) September 9, 2022
A clockstart BBC News announcement interrupted normal output on all its stations at 6:36pm and they continued to simulcast with Radio 4 until 7am on Friday (9th September).
Firstly, I'd like to say well done to those in all sectors who, whatever your views, excelled in their duties.
Whatever it does, a broadcaster (particularly the BBC) cannot win right now.
You're either hounded by those who want normal programming or hounded by the right-wing media and royalists.
It’s clear that what audiences have come to expect and what they actually want can be different.
This is not a criticism of anybody following a procedure.
BBC News (on all platforms) has been exceptional; providing both what is expected of it and wanted by many.
Trusting usual BBC radio presenters - who can play a vital role in times like these - to keep their loyal listeners company throughout was the right call too.
My point is a political one. Given how much consumer choice exists nowadays, I wish people were more accepting of radio stations delivering what their listeners actually want as opposed to what has been historically expected of them all.
In this case, a mood may be reflective of certain audiences but less so of others - "the nation" is too broad.
For example, local radio in traditional little Petersfield should probably respond differently and more sensitively to a youth station in Birmingham (which I’m sure has a brilliantly-programmed Obit playlist tailored to the format - but is its audience going to be mourning the Queen’s death in the same way?)
We have all lost and will all lose friends and family members as time progresses. There is nothing harder to go through.
If it's purely out of respect and not accurately reflecting how listeners feel or providing what they want, I don't see why royalty should be worthy of such extortionate measures over another prominent individual who has sadly died - particularly if it's someone the audience has a genuine connection with or tragic circumstances.
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