It is one of the most relished fixtures in the BBC Radio Scotland weekly schedule and it's a programme that I have participated in, as a member of the audience, twice. And on one occasion, I even opened the programme with a question.
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| BBC Scotland HQ at Pacific Quay, Glasgow, on the left. I visited the public area of it in January 2013. It's well worth having a look. |
But I don't think so. Unlike Question Time, the programme has a distinct identity of it's own. And it's canny host, Brian Taylor, proves through presenting this programme why he is such a Scottish institution.
In fact, I think the show is such an asset to the BBC north of the border that I often ask myself why BBC Scotland haven't experimented with the idea of transforming it into a weekly television programme instead. It would, without a doubt, be a popular fixture in the TV listings. When Brian fronted one of the Scottish independence TV debates on BBC Scotland, he clearly distinguished himself as a serious yet light hearted chairman.
And what time should it be scheduled? Well BBC Northern Ireland produce a show called The Nolan Show which isn't the same format but does cover the main issues in Northern Ireland with a studio audience and studio guests. The show is normally broadcast after the BBC Ten O'Clock News in the middle of the week. They have shown that, with a popular host and a simple and effective format, broadcasting such a programme is achievable.
Any initiative to increase and improve the quality of Scottish television output is welcome. And it is worth BBC Scotland exploring the idea of transforming Brian Taylor's hit radio programme into a potential TV institution.
And to also give him another platform to cheer on his beloved Dundee United.
I think that's a great idea. People are looking for more opportunities to get involved with politics and to challenge politicians on the issues of the day.
ReplyDeleteAnd lets be honest, there are no shortage of those!