With more and more scrutiny cast upon those at the highest level, in increasingly identikit shows, one would have thought that the BBC would’ve kept it’s only really unique weekly sporting program going. After all its remit is to provide quality first and give taxpayers value for money. However this hasn’t stopped the Non-League Show facing the axe as the BBC look to cut their off peak shows and run local radio on a shoestring.

The Non-League Show, hosted by Caroline Barker, is a brilliant show that casts light on the world of non-league football. It is one of few outlets for many clubs and volunteers who give up their time to the grass roots of the game. In fact the only other weekly outlet is the Non-League Paper (privately owned) which shares a close relationship with the radio show. They themselves have come out in staunch defense of the program urging readers to join the fight to save the BBC London program.

The reason why this program, broadcast worldwide on the internet to adoring fans, is to be lost in a move that will see local radio in the south merged into one giant money-saving station. It seems crazy to me that we could lose a radio program, which is relevant to listeners all across the country, due to local radio cuts. It is a program that in the past year alone has shed light on the murky goings on at Wrexham and the magnificent rebirth of a club in Chester as well as showcasing hundreds of other clubs in between. In its five year run it has won numerous awards and become an object of affection amongst many in the non-league world. This program isn’t one confined to a particular geographical area; it is one that holds a national audience and should really already be readily available to the nation.

Please, please take the time to save something truly unique about the BBC’s sports broadcasting. Save the Non-League Show and inadvertently we may also bring this brilliant show to a wider audience.

Photo courtesy of adamlloyd1.