By RD

I find it a strange comment that interviews "are becoming less possible". Why? A good author interview can encourage reading and exploration within reading (unless you take a dislike to the author). When it comes to radio, I believe there is proof of the converse. Authors don't appear to be shy of the interview. For the now sadly lost Oneword DAB radio station, Paul Blezard managed to interview an author for each day of the week for his show Between The Lines. The style was also good: full of enthusiasm and energy; intelligent discourse without a whiff of literati elitism; relaxed and chatty. This makes books accessible and approachable. This sort of interviewing would do well on TV in my mind. The Richard & Judy programme has shown that there is an interest in reading to be tapped. But I don't think it's enough. Neither does their book club truly capture those with working lives, due to the timing of the programme. Sky Arts has The Book Show, but Virgin Media customers do not have access to this; neither is it available with Freeview. It would be good if the BBC could provide a weekly book show, in an evening slot that did not compete against the over-frothed soaps. Let's have some great author interviews and perhaps a roving reporter crossing the country talking to readers about what they're reading and why. What's the buzz? What's the tube or train commuter reading this week? What's the library member in Lincoln borrowing this week? What's causing talk amongst the litblogs? What local author is selling well in Borders in Swansea? Have some competitions for free books. Make them special by having them signed by the author. Feature new writers with the promise of a sparkling writing career ahead of them. Talk to industry insiders to find out their thoughts on the future of the book as we know it. Is the hardback now a collectible? Reading may be a sedentary activity, but behind that lies a massive amount of enthusiasm and energy when you get going. It also gets you talking. Dear God, I watched the Newsnight Review the other week. I don't think it would encourage anyone to pick up a book. To make books work on TV, enthusiasm and energy are needed. And enthusiasm is infectious. If you have that, combined with approachability, people are drawn in. There is too much "high-brow" in the current offerings that make reading come across as something confined to Oxbridge alumni. I think we need a book show that reminds us that reading is fun, stimulating and a source of great joy as well as comfort, open to all. I hope Janice Hadlow finds the format and delivers.

23 Feb 08 00:02

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