Critique on Woman’s Hour broadcast on Thursday 1st May

The Woman’s Hour Takeover, broadcast on Thursday 1st May with guest editor Doreen Lawrence touches on sensitive and current topics. Baroness Lawrence is an inspiration to many, and through her deliverance of opinion on education and young children, fibroids (particularly with black women) and a live performance, listeners were continuously enticed.   

The subjects discussed on the popular BBC Radio 4 show weren’t carefully picked out of a pre-production discussion, but from the heart of the guest editor. Emotive language, intonation and thorough conversation really contributed to the imagery of the show. It was as if you were in the studio discussing the content with them. Opening with a touch on who’s inspirational to Doreen Lawrence, she named three people, two of whom are highly famous politicians: Nelson Mandella and Barak Obama. After each statement made by her, a short podcast from a historical event contributed to her compliments. This worked well; it allowed the listeners to hear for themselves why the welcomed guest believed what she said. Furthermore, it supported the idea that the BBC would remain impartial even in an opinionated show because the podcast is ambiguous which allowed the audience to have their own opinion. 

Following on, the discussion moved quickly into the Stephen Lawrence Award. A prestigious organisation developed by Baroness Lawrence, triggered by the murder of her son in 1993. Stephen lost out on the opportunity to become an architect thus Doreen Lawrence wished to allow other young black individuals the opportunity to achieve. Louise Adamson delivered recorded interviews which told the story of three young people positively affected by the award. It was excellent to hear youngsters motivated and inspired, although opinions which may impact numerous young minds had gone to waste. Yes youngsters may of been listening, however if this particular extract of the show was emphasised to more young people, they may be captivated and inspired to engage in the Radio 4 conversation. If current Radio 4 shows could branch out and touch the minds of youth, numerous stereotypical opinions towards speech radio would be thrown down the drain. After this, there was a substantial discussion on apprenticeships and degrees, something that would be down a young person’s street. 

Fibroids is a delicate but important health issue regarding woman. With a panel of guests, one of which had the tumour in the past, BBC Radio 4 approach the topic well. With sensitivity, the show advises woman on ways of dealing with the problems. Also, it presents a balanced argument of then, now and the future regarding the complications. One guest describes her experience of Fibroids and how she overcome the illness, discovering after that she was pregnant with twins. In contrast to a saddening topic, it was pleasing to hear a positive side to the story. 

After a 40 minute discussion, a live performance of ‘Fallen Soldier’ was delivered by Beverly Knight. Even though a song is unusual in speech radio, it worked well to jell the overall thoughts and opinions together. 

BBC Radio 4 successfully interrogate a variety of subjects that are in the public interest. The values of the corporation to inform, entertain and educate are vigilant throughout the show. Moreover, it is positive to see an expert panel of guests although at times it felt as if there were too many  opinions towards one topic, complicating the discussion for the listeners. Additionally, there was vast opportunity for the audience to engage with the conversation through social networking, texting or calling into the studio. Nonetheless, there was no mention of ways to have your say and engage. If I had the opportunity to host a radio show, I would plug the contact information in at appropriate moments ensuring the listeners remain engaged and feel as if they can express their opinions.