To think that Radio 2 isn't really demonstrating gender equality?

[tiddlersuan]

First time poster but long time lurker (well since the 2am feeds started with DD at any rate which is when I mostly read the aibu posts)...just a thought that has been crossing my mind of late since being on mat leave and listening to radio 2 for large portions of the day; given the current dialogue about gender inequality be it pay or lack of women in top jobs etc, aibu to think that Radio 2 is pretty appalling given that of it's five main 'prime time' daytime shows they are all male presenters who have been in posts for years now?
I appreciate they all have followings of (potentially) different demographics and I myself like listening to two shows in particular, but to be honest I am pretty bored with some of the presenters and find the likes of Sarah Cox, Jo Whiley, Fearne Cotton, Zoe Ball and Liza Tarbuck both refreshing and entertaining (and yes I know that four out of these five have their own shows but they are either once a week on a Saturday or late evening/night time).
I'm not saying that the male presenters aren't any good at their jobs, but these women are just as good (if not better impo) and yet from 6:30am-7pm there are no female presenters .
Just wondered if this had crossed anyone elses minds or if I simply have too much thinking time on my hands atm...

I love Sara Cox - I can only listen to the Chris Evans show if she is hosting. Can't stand Evans.

I love Vanessa standing in for Vine too. He is so dreary whereas today I listened to the show and she was an absolute joy - so natural and clear and lovely to hear.

But my guilty secret is I like Steve Wright and wouldn't want him replaced!! he reminds me of sunbathing in the garden in the long hot summers of the late seventies and early eighties. Even though I'm sure I never did that or even listened to him then.

Another vote for Coxy over Evans. I would happily listen to her every day.

Chris Evans makes my teeth itch with his casual 'girls' (never women) and 'Mrs Queen' (boak) comments.

Last time I heard Fearne Cotton covering for Ken Bruce I was with my DM, who turned to me and said 'ooh, she's turned into a right smug-married hasn't she!'

anyone but chris evans!

I love Ken Bruce and think Sara Cox is a far better breakfast presenter. I like Steve Wright I know I’m a minority and Simon Mayo’s confessions alone are enough to keep me listening. I adore Simon Mayo!

Fearne Cotton is awful, Vanessa feltz is also awful and I’m not a fan of Jo Whiley at all. Personal preference rather than gender issues for me. Ooh I also love Michael ball - he’s lovely

I have tried so many times to get on popmaster. Is my dream!!

Yes i’ve thougt this for ages OP. Hate Evans, he is really up himself and quite rude to a lot of guests IMO, would love Sara Cox to be permanent breakfast host. Also prefer Vanessa to Jeremy Vine and the sooner Steve Bloody Wright goes the better! He has got to be the most annoying thing in the radio. My guilty secret is that I bloody love Michael Ball

Sara Cox is massively better than Chris Evans. He brings guests in and asks them a question, then answers it himself and makes every interview about him. the only with jamie oliver and christmas meals turned into chris talking about how he makes christmas dinner and jamie occasionally being asked to agree. every. single. interview. sara cox is a much better interviewer, i just dislike the baby voice she puts on at times.

oh yes confessions often has me in tears. the only about the football team who inflated their skills and ended up abroad, hung over, against a much younger, fitter and better professional team!!!

Today when Popmaster was on and Fearne said "is there anyone you'd like to say hello to?" I SOOOO wanted the contestant to say "Yes. Ken Bruce. Can you hurry up back please?"

I think there’s going to be a wee shake-up and Jo Whiley is supposed to start co-presenting with Simon Mayo soon.

Steve wright must know where the bodies are buried can think of no other reason why he is given all the prime slots

I don't listen to Simon Mayo but the story about the team going abroad and playing a really good team is an urban myth.

I heard one about a guy telling an American worker that the shipping forecast was the cricket scores. I nearly peed!!

Isn’t Steve Wright always on holiday - so basically his shift is covered by someone else anyway?

Agree @KERALA1 👀

Fearne is pretty poor - much prefer Sara Cox.

Yep, absolutely spot on op. Although I Hate 'Lady V' with a passion: it's the Me Me Me show.
Not a fan of Evans either, don't mind Ken, DETEST Steve Wright, Mayo is the best of the bunch, love Jo Whiley, and can't stand Elaine Paige!
Really miss The Dark Lord, but love a bit of Craig Charles and Huey Morgan (why is he on so ridiculously early??).

I stopped listening to daytime R2 about 4 years ago, bar night's, and I'm pretty much now a total convert to 6 Music, where the music is sooo much better.

Number - 100% agree with you regarding Simon mayo, what is the attraction?? I get into the car after work and hear him doing his bloody confessions and it's straight off!
Love ken

I was just thinking this week about how much better it would be if Sarah Cox did the breakfast show permanently.

I switch over when Ken Bruce comes on as I can't stand him. Too oily and chippy at the same time, which is quite a feat really.
I can tolerate Zoe Ball but not Jo Wiley or Fearne Cotton.
I've grown into Simon Mayo.

But Audiobooks is my lifesaver on the long drive home when Steve Wright is on. He's the pits.

I much prefer Sara Cox to Chris Evans although recently heard Mark Goodyear stand in for Sara Cox standing in for Chris Evans (...) and he was fantastic.

I quite like Ken Bruce, its like listening to a nice cup of tea. I am not a fan of Fearne Cotton's style and did not enjoy listening to her when she took over from Jo Whiley on R1.

Jo Whiley is ok but her right on style doesn't fit R2 I don't think and it sounds odd to hear her presenting all main stream music!

I much much much prefer Vanessa Feltz to Jeremy Vine. She sounds more professional, knows when to jump in, asks sensible questions and does a really good synopsis. I would like to hear more from her during normal waking hours.

I liked Amol when he stood in for Jeremy Vine and also loved it when IDS and Ed M stood in

I like listening to Claudia Winkleman. She is totally different on the radio than tv.

I wrote to R4 feedback and amongst other things complained about Michael Ball on a Sunday night as I had to do Sunday night commutes and his delivery made me want to fall asleep! I was pleased when he was replaced! Don't mind him during the day.

There needs to be more ethnic diversity, not just equal male/female.

I don't understand how some presenters on the BBC on both TV and Radio continue to have a seeming lockdown on opportunities. I'm not saying that they aren't good at what they do, but so could innumerable other people given the chance. People would do these sort of jobs for free (not saying that's ok) but they don't have anywhere near the responsibility that doctors or nurses for example have, who for some reason command salaries way below that of BBC presenters.

I do like Graham Norton, although I appreciate he's not everyone's cup of tea.

Love him.

I love it when Sara Cox is in for the crap Chris Evans
I love Lauren on 6, Clara on 1 wish they weren't on at the same time.
I don't like Jo Whiley, but I do like her show, hope they don't mess up Drive time too much by mixing Jo and Simon together.
Love Graham Norton too.
Liza, not my cup of tea, but still should keep her cos she's lovely and bonkers!

I must be the only person on Mumsnet who loves Chris Evans on the breakfast show. We switch off when Sara Cox is on!