Quays hole

Things feel a little unsteady in MediaCityUK, where BBC radio seems to be experiencing significant, unheralded departures. We reported in July on Ian Bent, effectively running network radio supply in Salford, moving on. Now one of his key lieutenants, Nicola Swords, is leaving.

She's been minding R4 shows like Counterpoint and Pick of the Week, R3's The Verb, and World Service's Heart & Soul. In the past she's made documentaries on John Wyndham, The Singing Postman, Nico and Dusty Springfield.

Meanwhile, Radio 5Live observers are contemplating the departures of Old Etonian racing hack Cornelius Lysaght and all-rounder Jonathan Overend. That, with the departure of Garry Richardson's Sportsweek, and the May exit from station duties of John Inverdale, suggests either a strategic generational change or, more likely, budget pressures. Garry, 63, is not entirely spent - he's still got enough energy to sign for another two years at Today on Radio 4.