Fed up with absolutely NO decent Saints coverage on local radio...

[Gordon Mockles]

Says it all in the title.

 

Whilst we are now League One, we are still the biggest club in the area (& with exciting new owners, a great coaching set up run by a solid first team manager offering the club the prospect of great times).

 

I expect better coverage on my local television stations & certainly on the radio (esp. pre/post matches & reporting on reserve games).

 

We are a football team with thousands supporting so why have all the media avenues dried up?! It's not as though there is no demand!

 

Why do Radio Solent deem the most inane & boring news items like recycling granny's pants or removing stones from tyres (hypothetical examples which are probably more exciting than the usual dross that clogs the air waves) more news worthy than Saints?! Even Play Radio (formely Radio Hants with the likeable Stuart Dennis) report the bare minimum.

 

I've had enough of wasting my time listening for non existent sports reports. Especially on a Monday, after a weekend of football & following the news reports on the hour & half hour...nothing! We hear more about the local hop scotch team than we do Saints. But, what other choice do we have?

 

Does anyone know of any local radio still bothering about regular Saints updates (bar the occasional Solent & Play bulk standard Saints news than takes up all of 2 secs)??? I can't tolerate either station anymore. Radio Solent music & features were testing enough when they had more substantial sports news!!

 

I liked Mark & Stuart Dennis but now all we have is Gemma 'nervous laughter' Mc Parland & that annoying kid who is, frankly, rubbish!

 

WHERE'S OUR RELIABLE & REGULAR SAINTS NEWS UPDATES? We need them please...someone.

Edited 15 September, 2009 by Gordon Mockles

[FloridaMarlin]

Says it all in the title.

 

Whilst we are now League One, we are still the biggest club in the area (& with exciting new owners, a great coaching set up run by a solid first team manager offering the club the prospect of great times).

 

I expect better coverage on my local television stations & certainly on the radio (esp. pre/post matches & reporting on reserve games).

 

We are a football team with thousands supporting so why have all the media avenues dried up?! It's not as though there is no demand!

 

Why do Radio Solent deem the most inane & boring news items like recycling granny's pants or removing stones from tyres (hypothetical examples which are probably more exciting than the usual dross that clogs the air waves) more news worthy than Saints?! Even Play Radio (formely Radio Hants with the likeable Stuart Dennis) report the bare minimum.

 

I've had enough of wasting my time listening for non existent sports reports. Especially on a Monday, after a weekend of football & following the news reports on the hour & half hour...nothing! We hear more about the local hop scotch team than we do Saints. But, what other choice do we have?

 

Does anyone know of any local radio still bothering about regular Saints updates (bar the occasional Solent & Play bulk standard Saints news than takes up all of 2 secs)??? I can't tolerate either station anymore. Radio Solent music & features were testing enough when they had more substantial sports news!!

 

I liked Mark & Stuart Dennis but now all we have is Gemma 'nervous laughter' Mc Parland & that annoying kid who is, frankly, rubbish!

 

WHERE'S OUR RELIABLE & REGULAR SAINTS NEWS UPDATES? We need them please...someone.

 

 

Economics, I'm afraid old chap.

 

Solent is the only station that can afford to cover sport to any degree.

 

Most commercial radio stations are run on a shoestring to derive maximum profit.

 

Although the terms of UK commercial radio licences dictate there must be a minimum of news coverage, most stations get away with it.

 

Proper trained journalists who chase and follow up stories don't come cheaply. Nitwits who can (barely) read wire service bulletins don't.

 

Hence, most stations provide the absolute news coverage their licence terms demand, after all, you don't want to take up space between music and advertising.

 

There is also the question that Saints demand a money for commentary rights, and again, BBC is the only organisation around the area that can afford it as they don't have to show a profit.

 

It could be worse. In the States, there are radio stations that don't even employ disc jockeys. It's all automated, with the adverts punctuating the music. It's all set up at the start of each programme, and all you need to man your station is someone who can programme the auto player, and sit around in case it breaks down.

[kpturner]

My solution this season is to go to as many away games as possible (already a ST holder). Then you don't need any media coverage. See you in Carlisle ;-)

[Saint_John]

I'm with Gordon on this one, the Radio Solent's sports bulletins in the morning are very anti Saints.

 

They report when a skate player has learned to tie his shoelaces or something as irrelevant as that, but fail to give any news on Saints.

They haven't even mention that Jaidi has got his work permit on any of the morning Sports bulletins yet !!

Even this morning there was NO mention of Jaidi / Waigo / Holmes playing for the reserves tonight. In fact there was NO mention of the game at all.

 

Earlier this year it was all about how Saints were going bust and how the skates were RUMOURED in one paper or another to be getting one top player after another. I had to logon here each morning to find out the truth about the rubbish that Radio Solent were putting out.

Everytime Storyteller opens his mouth they seem to give over the whole of the Sports Bulletin to his rubbish and mis-information.

 

It has been like this for a number of years. I can remember back in 2003 in our cup run we were due to play Wolves or Norwich on a Sunday afternoon and the DJ that morning (not their Sports Dept) said to the poor girl who was reading the weather and sports - "Do you think they will get promoted this year ?". To which she replied "I don't know anything about Football but I thought it was a cup game this afternoon". He then said something about "arry" and "promotion" etc. pure garbage !!!

(p.s. the skates didn't even have a game that weekend because of the FA Cup.).

 

Sorry FloridaMarlin (i know you have some connections to the local media ) but I'm with Gordon on this one.

[Nineteen Canteen]

Says it all in the title.

 

Whilst we are now League One, we are still the biggest club in the area (& with exciting new owners, a great coaching set up run by a solid first team manager offering the club the prospect of great times).

 

I expect better coverage on my local television stations & certainly on the radio (esp. pre/post matches & reporting on reserve games).

 

We are a football team with thousands supporting so why have all the media avenues dried up?! It's not as though there is no demand!

 

Why do Radio Solent deem the most inane & boring news items like recycling granny's pants or removing stones from tyres (hypothetical examples which are probably more exciting than the usual dross that clogs the air waves) more news worthy than Saints?! Even Play Radio (formely Radio Hants with the likeable Stuart Dennis) report the bare minimum.

 

I've had enough of wasting my time listening for non existent sports reports. Especially on a Monday, after a weekend of football & following the news reports on the hour & half hour...nothing! We hear more about the local hop scotch team than we do Saints. But, what other choice do we have?

 

Does anyone know of any local radio still bothering about regular Saints updates (bar the occasional Solent & Play bulk standard Saints news than takes up all of 2 secs)??? I can't tolerate either station anymore. Radio Solent music & features were testing enough when they had more substantial sports news!!

 

I liked Mark & Stuart Dennis but now all we have is Gemma 'nervous laughter' Mc Parland & that annoying kid who is, frankly, rubbish!

 

WHERE'S OUR RELIABLE & REGULAR SAINTS NEWS UPDATES? We need them please...someone.

 

Quite, the club should start up a Radio Station....Oh?

 

Solent uses football to fill it's scheduling on Saturday afternoons and the occassional midweek evening slots beyond that it's core customer base have no real interest in football as you have just admitted you only listen for the sports bulletin. Why offer you a service when they have listeners who tune in all day.

 

Saints fans did themselves no favours by having anachronisms like Clive Foley talk to the likes of Julian Clegg during our period of administration. Probably had the stations producers running for cover and saying no more if this is representative of Saints fan base.

 

Anyway, you have the internet, SSN, forums, the Offical site, Saints newsletters, the Echo, what exactly do you want to hear on Solent? A bit of controversy and some ex-player or directors(s) slagging us off and making silly statements and demands?

[Channon's Sideburns]

I think to be honest had Solent not made such a fuss before about having proper Sports Updates at 20 past the hour in the afternoons we wouldn't have an issue.

 

During the summer they dropped these, and guess what they haven't come back.

 

I sense the feeling that since we now have a 'professional' team running the club, Solent don't get heads up on rumours and therefore aren't so interested anymore.

 

That may be incorrect but it certainly feels that way - Solent aren't as committed to Sport Coverage as they once were - remember when the Sports on Saturday started at 1pm with a PROPER BUILD-UP instead of 2pm? 'Talking Balls' indeed.

 

Bally's bit was brilliant. Controversial at times, but brilliant.

 

Miss you Bally.

[alpine_saint]

I'm with Gordon on this one, the Radio Solent's sports bulletins in the morning are very anti Saints.

 

They report when a skate player has learned to tie his shoelaces or something as irrelevant as that, but fail to give any news on Saints.

They haven't even mention that Jaidi has got his work permit on any of the morning Sports bulletins yet !!

Even this morning there was NO mention of Jaidi / Waigo / Holmes playing for the reserves tonight. In fact there was NO mention of the game at all.

 

Earlier this year it was all about how Saints were going bust and how the skates were RUMOURED in one paper or another to be getting one top player after another. I had to logon here each morning to find out the truth about the rubbish that Radio Solent were putting out.

Everytime Storyteller opens his mouth they seem to give over the whole of the Sports Bulletin to his rubbish and mis-information.

 

It has been like this for a number of years. I can remember back in 2003 in our cup run we were due to play Wolves or Norwich on a Sunday afternoon and the DJ that morning (not their Sports Dept) said to the poor girl who was reading the weather and sports - "Do you think they will get promoted this year ?". To which she replied "I don't know anything about Football but I thought it was a cup game this afternoon". He then said something about "arry" and "promotion" etc. pure garbage !!!

(p.s. the skates didn't even have a game that weekend because of the FA Cup.).

 

Sorry FloridaMarlin (i know you have some connections to the local media ) but I'm with Gordon on this one.

 

I wouldnt take it personally.

 

If you ask a Skate fan they would probably say it was 180degrees other way before 2004.

 

Media institutions like Solent simply follow the success/glamour/populist route

[OldNick]

They report when a skate player has learned to tie his shoelaces .

that is international news

[Steeleye Saint]

I've never even thought of local radio as a source of news about Saints - I rely on the internet for it - Echo, forums etc. checking way too many times a day! Solent is good for its match coverage but not much else.

[Channon's Sideburns]

It made my mind up during the summer when they teased all day about live coverage of Fry's Press Conference - went to it, then cut it short only to return to that daft bint who presents in the afternoon. Saints get taken over after lengthy admin, and we get pulled off air for....wait for it....

 

'In a minute, I'll be talking to Bella Emberg about her career in comedy, before that over to Doris who has just had her cat neutered..'

 

You couldn't make it up - yes Radio Solent - the FIRST for Sport in the South.

 

Thanks guys.

[OldNick]

It made my mind up during the summer when they teased all day about live coverage of Fry's Press Conference - went to it, then cut it short only to return to that daft bint who presents in the afternoon. Saints get taken over after lengthy admin, and we get pulled off air for....wait for it....

 

'In a minute, I'll be talking to Bella Emberg about her career in comedy, before that over to Doris who has just had her cat neutered..'

 

You couldn't make it up - yes Radio Solent - the FIRST for Sport in the South.

 

Thanks guys.

what about the missing cat on South Today?

[Plumstead_Saint]

Solent is good for its match coverage but not much else.

I hate that too!

Too many interruptions and switches to Bournemouth scoring a goal etc.

I am seriously considering cancelling SaintsTV, because I only use it for the commentary and that is so poor on Solent. The what-you-call-it lot that shut down in May were so much better, even with Jimmy Case mumbling and slurring his way through the match.

[Stepgar]

I think the key is to find out what the local radio stations are and try to get them online stead. Not just the ones onthe saints player but last season people were putting links to more local radio stations. Please bring this back who ever it was.

[ringwood]

Yes since the loss of the 20 past the hour sports reports other than match commentary of which the quality varies considerably the Radio Solent coverage is useless.

 

Remember when it used to be necessary to listen at 20 past in the mornings and evening so not to miss a snippet? . Still that said we still get 96.1FM down here in Dorset to cover Saints whereas the sad blues have to go to medium wave or digital in Hampshire so perhaps a little of the old school bias towards Saints being the top side on Solent still resides?

 

Meridien has always been pants , but now the region is so large the football coverage has just got to the stage of a joke, wheres the reporting on the takeover,s ? wheres the investigation into the good Dr or the real investigation into Pinnacle?

[Pat from Poole]

Quite, the club should start up a Radio Station....Oh?

 

Solent uses football to fill it's scheduling on Saturday afternoons and the occassional midweek evening slots beyond that it's core customer base have no real interest in football as you have just admitted you only listen for the sports bulletin. Why offer you a service when they have listeners who tune in all day.

 

Saints fans did themselves no favours by having anachronisms like Clive Foley talk to the likes of Julian Clegg during our period of administration. Probably had the stations producers running for cover and saying no more if this is representative of Saints fan base.

 

Anyway, you have the internet, SSN, forums, the Offical site, Saints newsletters, the Echo, what exactly do you want to hear on Solent? A bit of controversy and some ex-player or directors(s) slagging us off and making silly statements and demands?

 

 

I'd far rather Julian Clegg spoke to Clive than the likes of you. They do want to have some listeners.

[FloridaMarlin]

I'm with Gordon on this one, the Radio Solent's sports bulletins in the morning are very anti Saints.

 

They report when a skate player has learned to tie his shoelaces or something as irrelevant as that, but fail to give any news on Saints.

They haven't even mention that Jaidi has got his work permit on any of the morning Sports bulletins yet !!

Even this morning there was NO mention of Jaidi / Waigo / Holmes playing for the reserves tonight. In fact there was NO mention of the game at all.

 

Earlier this year it was all about how Saints were going bust and how the skates were RUMOURED in one paper or another to be getting one top player after another. I had to logon here each morning to find out the truth about the rubbish that Radio Solent were putting out.

Everytime Storyteller opens his mouth they seem to give over the whole of the Sports Bulletin to his rubbish and mis-information.

 

It has been like this for a number of years. I can remember back in 2003 in our cup run we were due to play Wolves or Norwich on a Sunday afternoon and the DJ that morning (not their Sports Dept) said to the poor girl who was reading the weather and sports - "Do you think they will get promoted this year ?". To which she replied "I don't know anything about Football but I thought it was a cup game this afternoon". He then said something about "arry" and "promotion" etc. pure garbage !!!

(p.s. the skates didn't even have a game that weekend because of the FA Cup.).

 

Sorry FloridaMarlin (i know you have some connections to the local media ) but I'm with Gordon on this one.

 

I wasn't defending Solent, merely pointing out the situation.

 

If Solent's coverage has deteriorated, it's probably down the fact that they don't have to try very hard as they have no competition.

 

Alpine made a valid point that p****y fans probably voice the same complaints about Solent's coverage. In fact, they think it's biased towards Saints simply because Solent is based in Southampton.

 

And 19Canteen is also correct in saying that local stations have to look at a wider picture when it comes to their scheduling.

 

One of the considerations they have to take into account is whether to hold on to the core audience it has by giving them what they want, or whether to try and attract new listeners, at the risk of alienating their core audience.

 

Of course, holding on to your core audience might be good for immediate listening figures, but long-term it is not a good policy as older listerners tend to die off.

 

My understanding is that they tried to attract a younger audience but they failed dismally, and in the process literally turned their older core audience off, with their listening figures plummeting down the tubes.

 

They hastily tried to put things right. The architect of the disastrous changes, station controller Mia Costello, is currently able to look out over her lovingly-tended garden, while presenters like Nick Girdler ('allowed to leave' by Costello) have been brought back to bring the older listeners back onside.

 

Solent controllers are acutely aware of the demigraphic profile of its core audience from Emsworth to Weymouth, largely an older audience who like easy-listening music, safe, non-threatening presenters and chatty garden-fence issues.

 

As a public service broadcaster, the BBC's remit is to cater for all tastes, including minorities.

 

In Solent's case, the minority in its patch is sports fans, which is reflected in its coverage.

[Lets B Avenue]

the aforementioned, Mia costello, is gainfully employed lecturing to BBC staff. Presumably on "How to improve your local station".

 

Lecturing, eh Mr Marlin? Isn't that a cop out?

[FloridaMarlin]

the aforementioned, Mia costello, is gainfully employed lecturing to BBC staff. Presumably on "How to improve your local station".

 

Lecturing, eh Mr Marlin? Isn't that a cop out?

 

Eh? I wouldn't know. Not my bag.

[LostBoys]

I think Solent is dire - who wants to listen to Dave ' I've got a huge chip on my shoulder where Saints are concerned because Askham sacked me and I want to be director of football' Merrington whinge away

[theyin]

given the beeb.s status as a psb they do in fact have to listen to listeners views. I would say a concerted email campaign to the solent hd of sport might just do the trial

[70's Mike]

Quite, the club should start up a Radio Station....Oh?

 

Solent uses football to fill it's scheduling on Saturday afternoons and the occassional midweek evening slots beyond that it's core customer base have no real interest in football as you have just admitted you only listen for the sports bulletin. Why offer you a service when they have listeners who tune in all day.

 

Saints fans did themselves no favours by having anachronisms like Clive Foley talk to the likes of Julian Clegg during our period of administration. Probably had the stations producers running for cover and saying no more if this is representative of Saints fan base.

 

Anyway, you have the internet, SSN, forums, the Offical site, Saints newsletters, the Echo, what exactly do you want to hear on Solent? A bit of controversy and some ex-player or directors(s) slagging us off and making silly statements and demands?

 

is Clive Foley your next targer?

[Nineteen Canteen]

is Clive Foley your next targer?

 

Not at all, he is an old one and deservedly so IMO based on his interviews with the media. Don't set yourself up as a spokesperson for the fans if you are going to give the impression we all share his views and with the same ignorant delivery.

[Toadhall Saint]

Not at all, he is an old one and deservedly so IMO based on his interviews with the media. Don't set yourself up as a spokesperson for the fans if you are going to give the impression we all share his views and with the same ignorant delivery.

 

Do you know him?

[70's Mike]

Not at all, he is an old one and deservedly so IMO based on his interviews with the media. Don't set yourself up as a spokesperson for the fans if you are going to give the impression we all share his views and with the same ignorant delivery.

 

Agreed and i have had my run in's with him in the past but i would rather he be my spokesman than you

[Toadhall Saint]

Agreed and i have had my run in's with him in the past but i would rather he be my spokesman than you

 

I'd rather Attila the Hun! In fact I'd take just about anyone other than 19c

[Nutwood2]

I think Solent is dire - who wants to listen to Dave ' I've got a huge chip on my shoulder where Saints are concerned because Askham sacked me and I want to be director of football' Merrington whinge away

 

Hi, it's good old Dave Merryweather here again and I expect you's have all bin missing me as i haven't posted on here for a while. Well, I'll tell you, I'm bitterly dissapointed with some of the posts on here. What's all this 'chip on my shoulder' all about? Chip on me shoulder? It's more like a roast potato I can tell you! I wasn't sacked was I? If I was, I certainly can't remember it, Tristan (or is it Tony now?) Anyways, as ya all know, 'Solent' is a great broadcaster, not least for the fact that they're still employing me and, I know, from talking to the fans, that they tune into us every week! I'll continue to try and provide first class analysis for the benefit of you, ' the people listening at home' (i.e. those of you who have no idea of what it's like to be a professional footballer) and I'll tell you what Tristan (er... Tony) I'll continue coming out with me classics for all you fans. I know you'd all really miss the likes of, "What Saints have got to do, Tony, having scored the goal, is not sit back and defend and concede a goal themselves. That's really important!" or even, "I like Alan, but i think the fans might becoming a little bit baffled by his tactics at this stage!" (Oh no, I haven't said that yet, have I. That's the one I used for George. Maybees in a few weeks time. Then i might still be in with a chance!)

 

 

Anyways, you fellas out there, make sure you stick to Solent because it wouldn't be the same without me!

[wightman35]

It made my mind up during the summer when they teased all day about live coverage of Fry's Press Conference - went to it, then cut it short only to return to that daft bint who presents in the afternoon. Saints get taken over after lengthy admin, and we get pulled off air for....wait for it....

 

'In a minute, I'll be talking to Bella Emberg about her career in comedy, before that over to Doris who has just had her cat neutered..'

 

You couldn't make it up - yes Radio Solent - the FIRST for Sport in the South.

 

Thanks guys.

 

That sums up "Solent" exactly, in my opinion. After all, it must be cheaper to have a lot of old grannies 'phoning in than paying a professional sports reporter to give a considered comment. As others have said, we have lost the 20 past the hour sports news in the afternoons, but in the mornings the 20 past slot for sport has shrunk and can be on anywhen up to the half hour, but rarely on time. I reckon its gone downhill since Mia whatever became controller. Adam Blackmore's commentary is ok when he does it, but I don't go a bundle on the others. So.... the answer is.

 

Go and buy a ticket for Saturday.

[Nineteen Canteen]

I'd rather Attila the Hun! In fact I'd take just about anyone other than 19c

 

I wasn't aware this was a nomination campaign

[theyin]

Chris.Carnegy@bbc.co.uk

 

he's the Managing Editor at BBC Radio Solent

 

I'm sure he'd welcome constructive comments in his email inbox.

 

I suppose I ought to email him and apologise for the torrent of abuse from those less well endowed with the old grey matter though

[LostBoys]

Hi, it's good old Dave Merryweather here again and I expect you's have all bin missing me as i haven't posted on here for a while. Well, I'll tell you, I'm bitterly dissapointed with some of the posts on here. What's all this 'chip on my shoulder' all about? Chip on me shoulder? It's more like a roast potato I can tell you! I wasn't sacked was I? If I was, I certainly can't remember it, Tristan (or is it Tony now?) Anyways, as ya all know, 'Solent' is a great broadcaster, not least for the fact that they're still employing me and, I know, from talking to the fans, that they tune into us every week! I'll continue to try and provide first class analysis for the benefit of you, ' the people listening at home' (i.e. those of you who have no idea of what it's like to be a professional footballer) and I'll tell you what Tristan (er... Tony) I'll continue coming out with me classics for all you fans. I know you'd all really miss the likes of, "What Saints have got to do, Tony, having scored the goal, is not sit back and defend and concede a goal themselves. That's really important!" or even, "I like Alan, but i think the fans might becoming a little bit baffled by his tactics at this stage!" (Oh no, I haven't said that yet, have I. That's the one I used for George. Maybees in a few weeks time. Then i might still be in with a chance!)

 

 

Anyways, you fellas out there, make sure you stick to Solent because it wouldn't be the same without me!

 

 

Brilliant made me laugh

[Nutwood2]

Thanks mate. I'd send you a signed copy of me book, only I don't think I've written one yet!