Celebrate and unwind

As a fervent supporter of Radio 3, I can wholeheartedly attest to Sam Jackson’s remarkable achievements and visionary leadership. Having spent countless hours immersed in the soothing melodies that grace the airwaves, I can confidently say that Jackson’s initiatives have not only revitalized but also redefined the station’s identity.

Radio 3 Unwind is available to listen to now on BBC Sounds.

In April 2023, Sam Jackson assumed control of Radio 3. A year later, his initiatives sparked debate among some listeners who found them a departure from the leadership style of the former head of Classic FM. Jools Holland was assigned a Saturday afternoon time slot and the revival of Radio 2’s “Friday Night Is Music Night” was announced for the station. Critics labeled Jackson as a ‘diluter’, a title that, during our last conversation in April, still provoked his ire. “It’s a ridiculous phrase,” he stated then, considering it an insult. Moreover, the criticism directed at him overlooked the fact; Radio 3 had fewer than two million weekly listeners and was on a downward trend.

After an incredibly prosperous 18 months at The Proms and a triumphant return, Jackson finds himself in his Broadcasting House office, feeling justified. Fresh Radio ratings demonstrate that the station’s audience has surpassed the two million mark once more, and Holland’s show has established a post-pandemic record for its time slot. As for accusations of being simplistic, Jackson defends his station by stating, “You won’t find Charles Ives playing on most stations at four in the afternoon. Nor will you encounter our upcoming 40-part series on modernism.

Celebrate and unwind

Additionally, it appears that listeners who were accustomed to their previous station, a commercially driven Classic FM, are experiencing some difficulties. One might imagine him exclaiming, “I warned you!” However, he instead responds with humility. He explains, “Radio is the most personal medium. It joins you in your bath or shower. When someone like me alters that, the immediate response is often, ‘What have you done? I prefer it how it was.’ Of course, people tend to forget that what’s there now wasn’t always there. It’s not about saying ‘I told you so,’ but rather, ‘I thought we would reach this point.’

Radio is intimate and accompanies you in the bath

Jackson is thrilled that the statistics show Radio 3 has never had more listening hours. He’s eager for us to spend as much time with his station as we can, especially considering our hectic lives. To make it easier, he’s creating a space on BBC Sounds called Radio 3 Unwind, which is a 24-hour music stream designed to help focus, unwind, reduce stress, and offer an escape. This service will be guided by knowledgeable presenters.

1) In Jackson’s words, “Dr. Sian Williams is a registered psychologist who specializes in mental health trauma within the NHS. He describes her as having vast knowledge on the subject matter.” Additionally, he explains that “Unwind” will delve deeply into the concept of unwinding and safeguarding one’s mental health in a manner reminiscent of the Reithian approach.

Is it plausible that Lord Reith, one of the founding fathers of the BBC, would advocate for practices like chakra alignment – does this align with the traditional mission to inform, educate and entertain? “This is a contemporary interpretation of what it means to be the BBC,” Jackson explains. “Providing information on self-care, using music to promote mental health, during a time when life has never been more hectic, when we’re all glued to our screens.

Instead of viewing it as a complement to yoga and herbal tea for mood enhancement, consider Radio 3 Unwind as a primary station dedicated to classical music. This platform primarily focuses on classical tunes, both old and new, giving prominence to British composers and artists, and illuminating less-recognized pieces from an underrepresented repertoire.

With the encouraging Rajar figures boosting my spirits, I exude an optimistic air, for I am certain of our success. “I have a firm vision for Radio 3’s future. There are countless innovative ideas waiting to be explored, not only for Radio 3 but also for the Proms. I believe we can further fortify classical music’s role in this nation’s cultural fabric, and I am excited to embark on this journey, for I feel that our best work is yet to come.

2024-11-07 20:23

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