BBC Radio Solent failed to broadcast its final episode of Stereo Underground this week without explanation.
The station dropped the long-running show recently saying it didn’t fit in with a new schedule, even though it survived programming and personnel cuts around the BBC local radio network.
The specialist music show, hosted by Richard Latto, was even recommissioned last year and moved to a new slot.
The final BBC version of the show was expected last night (Wednesday 31st January) but was replaced with pre-recorded programmes without any notice or explanation from the corporation.
When asked why, a BBC spokesperson avoided the question and told RadioToday: “We were unable to broadcast Stereo Underground this week. It was replaced with pre-recorded programmes.”
A note on the Stereo Underground website says: “BBC Local Radio’s most downloaded show is celebrating ten successful years by expanding online to a new home for loyal listeners at StereoUnderground.co.uk.”
A post on social media adds: “Thank you for all the messages. I will be doing a MixCloud #stereounderground this weekend, playing all the tracks I had lined up for last night. Thanks for all your ongoing support.”
It will be available on online going forward and is available for syndication.
Forest FM in east Dorset is one of the first stations in the Radio Solent patch signed up to take the show.
Thank you for all the messages. I will be doing a @mixcloud #stereounderground this weekend, playing all the tracks I had lined up for last night. Thanks for all your ongoing support. pic.twitter.com/eXeqtlNKwV
— Stereo Underground (@StereoUndergrnd) February 1, 2024
Dear @BBCRadioSolent I would like to complain about your very unkind behaviour in pulling the final #stereounderground from the schedule at no notice.Please upload the final edition to @bbcsounds immediately & apologise unreservedly. Yours,
The Licence Fee Payers #pointsofview— Eddie 💙🤍🏁 (@EddieSale) January 31, 2024
So, @BBCRadioSolent have shown their typical decorum by yanking the final ep of, @BBCSounds most popular local show, #stereounderground off the air at the 11th hr!?!
Remove #RadioSolent from your presets and follow the NEW and IMPROVED @StereoUndergrnd @ https://t.co/jayvKkEjJy https://t.co/OlJEjzUsBr
— Stalled Movie (@StalledMovie) January 31, 2024
#stereounderground
I just tried to download last night's final show, and got some absolute cobblers!!! WTF happened????— steve painter (@abrushwithsteve) February 1, 2024
Do we think there is any chance of hearing SU tonight? Scared to switch off in case I miss anything, but can't take much more of this easy listening pish. #stereounderground
— Vicki Seaton ❤🤍💙🐶🐕🍺🍷🎵🎶 (@vicki_basenjis) January 31, 2024
#stereounderground @RichardLatto StereoUnderground has been the most brilliant show and it's thanks to Rich & not the BBC, how absolutely childish & pathetic of @bbcsounds to pull the final show, you are ridiculous beeb! You'll do so much better in the future Rich. All the best pic.twitter.com/MZnq76SBQs
— Sally Roydhouse 🫐🍌 (@SallyRoydhouse) January 31, 2024
OK @BBCSouthNews let's see how good your editorial independence is – are you going to report on the outraged listeners following the cancellation with no explanation of the final #stereounderground show on @BBCRadioSolent
— Fedupcivvy (@Fedupcivvy) January 31, 2024
Here's hoping @RichardLatto is ok
Surely @BBCRadioSolent would not be so pathetic as to cancel the last #stereounderground unless it was unavoidable— Michael Simmons (@Mikey_Simmons) January 31, 2024
I am NEVER listening2 BBC local radio ever again. No apology, nothing. Just pulled last ever LIVE episode of #stereounderground at 11th hour after 10 years of being BBC's no.1 downloaded show. What is going on? Just my own opinion. All my fave shows have been culled and now this
— Tippi Two-Free-Four (@NukuMutuku) January 31, 2024
It's the final edition on the BBC of #stereounderground next week
What tracks should @richardlatto play?
Listen to previous BBC editions here:https://t.co/5ZMH2raqbJ pic.twitter.com/P2zXkDihCd
— BBC Radio Solent (@BBCRadioSolent) January 24, 2024