'Squeaky bum time' for BBC bosses

It’s going to be ‘squeaky bum time’ for the management team at BBC Radio Devon over the next few weeks.

After a week in which it took managing editor Mark Grinnell three days to respond to criticism over his decision to drop Judi Spiers from the station and more than 1,000 people taking to social media to complain about the move, he has let one of his big names go.

Bad move.

Judi will be replaced by David Fitzgerald, who is an experienced broadcaster and a jolly good chap.

However, he has a huge act to follow and a loyal audience to win over – those that are still tuning in that is.

Mr Grinnell has stuck to his guns and will need to justify his decision to his own bosses in the not too distant future.

He has staked his reputation on former Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates (not everyone’s cup of tea) Fitz, Ex That’s Life presenter Bill Buckley and little known Pippa Quelch to secure his listeners.

Some would say he is brave, some would say something quite different. Only time will tell.

He has either made a very shrewd and insightful move or the biggest mistake of his career.

If that is the case, will the last person at Radio Devon please turn the lights out?