Dear Helen 

On 15 November Clare Teal announced that her Swing and Big Band Show would finish on January 3 2021.

This would be terrible news at any time. But it's a hammer blow during a period when it's impossible to go to dances and to hear bands. For many listeners Clare's show, which regularly features live recordings, is a lifeline.

2020 has seen the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement. So it's deeply sad that  Radio 2 has chosen this year to kill off a show which showcases many black musicians - and to silence a broadcaster who is a great communicator about the history of jazz.

Radio 2 would like to 'shape the next era of pop'. This can't be done by simply axing programmes which look at music of an earlier vintage. Musicians of the future always draw inspiration from the past. 

The BBC will lose listeners - and influence - if it seeks to mirror the output of mainstream commercial stations.

So I'm asking you as the Head of Station to make a fresh commitment to programming Big Band and Swing music on Radio 2.