Judi Spiers show controversially axed

Popular BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers has been contoversially dropped by station bosses.

The broadcasting stalwart announced the news to shocked listeners on her regular morning slot today.

She told her audience that after 15 years in the job, this week would be her last.

A friend of Judi’s told the Daily the broadcaster was ‘saddened but wanted to continue until the bitter end for her listeners and team.

This is the latest controversial decision believed to have ben taken by managing editor Mark Grinnell.

In January, he ousted equally popular breakfast host Matt Woodley to make way for former BBC Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates.

An insider told the Daily: “Radio Devon has been Matt's life and he has suddenly found himself on the sidelines.”

Meanwhile Bates’ appointment caused a bitter backlash.

One listener commented on the Western Morning News website:

“What was the motivation for employing him? Was it perceived as a feather in the cap for local management to bring a radio ‘big name’ to Devon?

“Simon Bates on BBC Radio Devon breakfast show is a huge and costly mistake. Perhaps the BBC locally should be more accountable about what they spend our money on and give us what we really want at that time – good journalism, probing and knowledgeable interviews from a really local presenter who knows this patch inside out.”

Bates is rumoured to be earning an ‘eye-watering’ fee for a local broadcaster according to insiders.

"A number of people have had their noses put out of joint," one source said.

There has been no word on who will take over Judi’s show but the Daily understands the appointment will be internal.

A BBC spokeswoamn said: “It’s normal for radio stations to change their schedules from time to time; however Judi remains a popular presenter so we offered her some other radio and TV opportunities. We hope that she will continue to entertain audiences in the region."