Four four time

As predicted here, the BBC Trust has given the go-ahead for BBC Radio 7 to become BBC Radio 4 Extra - but, again as we said, it'll be a makeover, rather than a transmogrification.

The Trust endorses the Executive's proposal to reposition Radio 7 as Radio 4 Extra – a move which will encourage audiences to sample the station. But to preserve the elements that audiences value, the Trust will strengthen the service licence so that the commitment to comedy and drama is increased, and limit the amount of Radio 4 catch-up programming.

The real drama is in the reduction of children's programmes that the station has to carry. Up until now, it's shouldered 1400 hours a year - as 4 Extra, it goes down to 350.  Stand by for squawks from Susan Stranks et al.  But the Trust is apparently satisfied with the strategy; the current audiences must be really poor for the Timelords of Great Portland Street to say they don't represent value for money.

Here's another tip. Because it's a makeover, the change will come quite soon.  Might even beat the Royal Wedding.