BBC voice quits after 25 years to join Classic FM
NewsThe iconic Zeb Soanes has taken his radio voice to the commercial side.
He was the man who made the weather.
Here’s the career so far.
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After the Today programme last week had extended segments on both Glastonbury and Beyonce’s latest album on the same day, I can’t say I blame him! The children now seem in charge on R4. His measured, calm and beautifully clear voice will be missed.
Radio 4 Today programme frequently features Pop related matters and so wonder if the dumbing down will ever stop.
Never ‘eard of ‘im
Poor you! You obviously don’t listen to Radio Four – nor are aware of his narrations of many musical works requiring a narrator (he has recently recorded Walton’s ‘Facade’ with John Wilson), his work with Opus Anglicanum – or his Gaspard the Fox books, one of which has been turned into a concert work by Jonathan Dove . . . etc., etc. (See http://www.zebsoanes.com/) Perhaps you should get out more?
Your loss then.
More to the point, the resulting re-jig of the schedule means the scrapping of Classic FM’s Evening Concert, a staple since the station’s launch 30 years ago, and the only programme that regularly plays full works as opposed to excerpts. Instead, they will have six hour solid of so-called “smooth” classics each evening. I have always defended Classic FM against those who consider it low-brow, but the Concert has been an important part of my argument. I can only see this change as dumbing down. They will now be losing my listening hours in the evening, as I’ll be tuned to Radio 3 or Scala, depending on what’s on the former’s concert/what I feel like.
He’ll be joining the syrupy likes of Titchmarsh and Armstrong then et al.
Thought agree with Jonathan’s comments. I enjoy an evening of classical music, whether Radio3 or Classic FM. However I do like to plan ahead. Regularly checked R.Times to see what complete works would be available during the week. Now only R3 does this. Happy with Smooth Classics format of selections for early evenings and daytime but like to settle down to a concert of complete works for main evening. Now R3 or my CD collection
Seems like dumbing down.
Weather men/women are a waste of money so good decision
Yea, it’s raining anyway.
Not the weather forecast but the Shipping Forecast, a very different matter, of huge importance to shipping and an essential service from Radio Four, necessary to be presented with impeccable clarity.
Oh, dear! One of the few classic radio voices till left on Radio Four – not to mention his occasional presentations of Proms concerts on television (much to be preferred to certain others foisted upon us!). A sad loss to civilized radio – but I won’t be defecting to ‘Smooth Classics’ . . .
Hope he wasn’t edged out; well-spoken male whiteys are not exactly flavour of the month on Radio 4.