Fair play, Grandad, Damien, Allan and a whole pile of others who pledged their support to Rick O’Shea (who is understandably staying tight lipped on the issue) and Nikki Hayes (who I’ve blogged about before) – who have been the victims of a “dumbing down” order in RTÉ Radio, essentially reducing them to “that was/this is” jocks who are no longer allowed engage the listeners in their brand of engaging banter.

Below is the email I sent off this evening to complaints@rte.ie. Here’s hoping that enough people do it that make them sit up and take notice (and action!).

To whom it may concern,

Let me just start by saying that this is not like me. Generally, I’m very quiet and don’t write letters of complaint to anyone. In fact I generally don’t get overly involved or outspoken when a broadcaster does something I disagree with. As a student of radio myself, I understand that there are difficult decisions that often need to be made by programme directors and other members of management.

However, on this occasion, I feel I must speak up about the widely reported decision to ‘dumb down’ two of the excellent day-time radio programmes on RTÉ 2fm – those which are presented by two of the national broadcasters more talented and compelling presenters, Nikki Hayes and Rick O’Shea.

I certainly understand that these are hard times, what with the recession/downturn/whatever you want to call it… and I understand, of course, that RTÉ may need to make cut-backs due to the economic pressures being brought to bear;- but sadly, I feel that the station management, in their recent actions, showed a severe lack of focus and understanding when it comes to promoting and capitalising on the greatness within. You have enormous talent in these two presenters,- and you really should be exploiting it and using them to their fullest potential – NOT restricting them, and their creativity!

RTÉ Radio’s goal, as I understand it is informing and entertaining the listeners. The two shows that I’m referring to here did that – and did it brilliantly well – as they were. Taking out the “banter”, devolving those programmes back to simple music driven shows with no content, and forcing the presenters to do little or nothing more than forward and back-announce tracks – this move has done nothing but alienate and annoy a huge group of people who are enormously important to your organisation – i.e.: your prime-time radio listeners. If we, your listeners, just wanted to hear music, we’d stick on our iPods. We listen to 2fm for the personalities – personalities who are worth tuning in for and well worth listening to – if only they’re given the space to be creative – to breathe, nevermind just speak.

Personally, I’ve listened to both Nikki and Rick as much as I can… and NOT because I particularly enjoy the music they play, but because both of them manage to get me thinking and keep me smiling throughout the day. Rick, in particular, is the kind of radio presenter that many people I know – both in the industry itself and training & studying to get into the industry – aspire to be like. Both Nikki and Rick have worked hard on their shows and built up a loyal listener/fan base. Your actions of late will do nothing more than help to reverse their hard work and seriously dent RTÉ 2fm’s ratings.

I’m frankly surprised at RTÉ in making this move. You’re ignoring your listening public’s wants, and actively removing that special extra something that made people tune your way.

So I wish, along with – I’m sure – a number of others, to register my complaint and to request int he strongest possible terms, out of respect for your talented presenters who have brought you an audience by doing what you’re now telling them not to do, out of respect for your listeners – who are your life blood, and finally – for the sake of Irish radio and what makes it great – that you reverse the decision to “dumb down” these shows and get us all back listening to Nikki and Rick the way the teams who create their shows intended.

I hope you will see sense in this matter, realise this is no way to treat your listeners – and your talent – and restore these shows to their former brilliance.

Yours. in sincere disappointment,

etc.