SMOOTH OPERATIONS WINS NEW BBC RADIO 2 COMMISSIONS
[December 2004]
Smooth Operations has been commissioned by BBC Radio 2 to make
two half-hour documentaries celebrating the life and work of genius
jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. The shows will broadcast in August
2005 to mark the 80th birthday of Dr Peterson, one of the past century’s
most creative forces in jazz.
Other new commissions include a one-hour documentary marking the
60th birthday of country songstress Dolly Parton, to air in January
2006; another eight hour-long editions of the ongoing series Masters
of Rock produced by Ian Callaghan; a six part comedy show titled
Just for Laughs and four half-hours examining the phenomenon
of plagiarism in popular music.
Managing Director Nick Barraclough said, "We pride ourselves
on getting the big names and Oscar Peterson and Dolly Parton are
icons of their respective fields. Being able to tell the story of
the world’s most innovative jazz pianist and one of the most important
artists in country music is a real privilege. As a vibrant independent
producer we are delighted that Smooth Operations can continue to
provide specialist programming of the highest quality."
For more information on programmes currently in production
please visit our
'In Production' pages.
SMOOTH OPERATIONS/BBC NOMINATED FOR DIGITAL MUSIC AWARD
[October 2004]
A Smooth Operations/BBC collaboration was shortlisted in the Broadband
from BT Digital Music Awards 2004. The Cambridge Folk Festival
Video Player, which ran online throughout August, was nominated
in the Best Use Of Broadband category. The category is for any UK-based
music company which is currently using or has used broadband technology
to deliver a music product, website, service or event to its users.
Also nominated were Video-C Broadband Chart, Empire Square, F Magazine,
Playlouder and BBC Online Glastonbury Webcast. Video-C Broadband
Chart took the prize at the DMA award ceremony on October 19th.
COUNTRY SHOW REACHES RECORD HIGH [August 2004]
The latest breakdown of BBC Radio 2's reach & share figures published
by Rajar have recorded a particularly successful quarter for Nick
Barraclough's country programme. Performing extremely well, the
slot's weekly reach increased significantly to hit a record high.
Tune in to Nick Barraclough for the very best in country
music (Wednesdays 7.00pm, 88-91 FM BBC Radio 2).
SMOOTH OPERATIONS ACQUIRED BY UBC MEDIA GROUP [August
2004]
At the end of July, Smooth Operations was acquired by UBC Media
Group. UBC is a leading independent producer of audio programming
in the UK supplying BBC and commercial radio stations. UBC also
owns radio stations and provides studio, S & P and software services.
Nick Barraclough (Managing Director Smooth Operations Productions
Ltd) said,
"Our association with UBC will move us into a much wider market
place and will allow us a huge amount of potential for development.
UBC have assured us that they want Smooth Operations to continue
to be run along exactly the same lines as it has for the last 12
years. It looks as though this is going to be a very happy and mutually
advantageous association."
PRESS PRAISE: MARK RADCLIFFE SHOW [June 2004]
Gillian Reynolds, The Daily Telegraph 16th June 2004
"Being old can't bar you from BBC3 (or Radio 1), but, because
it is not meant for you, you aren't supposed to criticise it. This
is nonsense.
There are such absolutes as accuracy, legality and competence by
which to judge any programme. There are comparative standards of
expression and imagination which may be assessed. And, anyway, we've
paid the licence fee, so this is our money they're spending, and
we have every right to an opinion.
Such rebellious ruminations came to mind when I tuned to Mark
Radcliffe's Radio 2 show (Mon to Thurs, 10.30pm). Getting used
to a re-vamped regular radio slot is like going to a pub where you
used to know the landlord. You edge past the door, look for signs
of change, notice the new seats, try to size up the clientele.
Will you be welcomed or just tolerated? Is this to be henceforth
another place marked "Keep Out, Reserved For Fortysomethings, Especially
Those With Young Children And Old Vinyl Collections"?
As it turned out, no. It says "come in", not "you're barred" and
is distinct in tone and content from anything else in this slot
elsewhere along the dial (including old Peelie, still muttering
gems into his beard on Radio 1).
Radcliffe doesn't do diffidence, likes his reviewers to get to
the point, enjoys it when interviewees answer back. The show as
a whole is energetic, intelligent, fresh, feisty, funny and enthusiastic,
none of which you expect at a time of night usually devoted to flossing
teeth or putting out the wheelie bin."
MARK RADCLIFFE SHOW [March 2004]
We are delighted to announce that Smooth Operations has won the
contract to produce the new Mark Radcliffe Show on BBC Radio
2. The show represents a prestigious cross-network move for Mark,
and reunites him with Smooth Operations' John Leonard, who produced
Mark's first shows on Radio 1. The Mark Radcliffe Show will
run four nights a week from 10.30pm to midnight and starts on June
7th 2004.
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