Three is a magic number

Remember that bit yesterday, when I told you not to worry about Radio 4 ? Do you mind worrying about Radio 3 instead ?

It seems that James Purnell, coming up to his first anniversary as Director of Radio and Education and A Few Other Things, has reverted to Cabinet minister mode and decided he must DO something. And there are plans for Radio 3, run by James' old Civil Service chum, Alan Davey.

Radio 3, born from The Third Programme, still retains a few vestiges of that ethos, mixing music with difficult new plays, erudite discussion of ideas, experimental radio and poetry. The old Trust operating licence made a requirement that the network should produce at least 20 new dramas a year, and 30 new documentaries on arts and cultural topics a year.  So we still have Drama on 3, The Sunday Feature, and Between The Ears at weekends, and the schedule is dotted with "religious services with a strong musical element."

Hipster Jim and Armslength Al are not sure this is very modern, and would like a Radio 3 tap that just plays music. Live or recorded, it's largely cheaper than speech, and Jim needs money for more exciting projects.