Quoting a previous Stephen Sullivan contribution:-

I would not keep any of the five networks as such, but have the two new
stations supply programmes that reflect the best of there current five
station network.

So, what you are effectively saying to the millions (over half the UK, wasn't it?) who currently chose to listen to one of the national networks is "Tough titty! I'm taking your radio station away and replacing it with a station that might include something for you but only at set times of the day" – erm, a bit like how the old Light Programme had to treat pop music fans. Blimey, you're going to be popular with your new modern day re-enactment of the passing of the Marine Offences Act!

Radio’s One and Two were set-up to replace the Offshore stations of the
sixties, do we really need them to carry on doing this now?

Yes we do. Quite simply, they are two specialist interest services that are not provided by the commercial sector. There's not a commercial equivalent anywhere.

—
* Christopher England just said that *