The database lists a whole load of 0800 & 01/02 numbers for BBC Travel news in various regions - they now have a global 03 number (0330 1230184) that serves all regions, and is probably a better option than their individual numbers for particular stations.

For example, BBC Bristol use 0845 9006949, BBC Somerset 9006955 for the studio number, both of which have working geographic alternatives. Would it be possible to cross-reference these in the database, so searches against the 0845 ones pick up the alternatives?

For example... I have successfully used:

0330 1230184 goes into an IVR from where you can choose the region you need.
0800 0725206 I'm pretty sure, does the same - as does 0800 435852
0117 9746878 is a direct alternative to BBC Bristol's 0845 number - this goes to the travel desk within the Bristol newsroom, so I guess could be a better option if you had something very local to report.

Quite why they persist with 0845 when some other regions broadcast 01x numbers is still beyond me, but still. I'm sure this is repeated across all BBC regions

Hi CJT-80!

The link that you require is:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/

Hope this answers your question.

007

Pressure needs to be put on each of the BBC local radio stations that retain their 0845 numbers for phone-ins and traffic reports.

They are very wedded to these numbers, which they adopted when 0845 enabled landline callers from more remote parts of their area to call at local rate. That is now a long time ago, but many have not recognised that this benefit no longer applies and that 0845 calls are charged at a premium for many callers.

I am not sure if it is intended that the 0330 number must break the link between a local listener and the station's own traffic news desk! This direct connection with their community is seen as important to them. If they have a valued or memorable number, then a switch to the 0345 equivalent should be recommended. Where a number of distinct dialling code areas are served (and there is a concern about appearing biased), a neutral 03 number may be preferred over a local number in one particular town.

This topic was discussed at some length around this posting.

I am still holding a list of 0845 numbers used by the BBC which was presented to me in response to a FOI request some two years ago. If anyone now wishes to use this information I would be delighted to pass it on.

CJT-80 wrote on Apr 21^st, 2011 at 8:28pm:

The reply is a bit confused about charging - the rates are out of date and they forget that not all landline calls are made at BT rates. The principle that 03 is best is however accepted.

My own engagement with the BBC over this has not identified a central department that is managing the numbers used by local stations. If there is such a department then the person responsible needs to be identified and subjected to (initially) polite pressure and clearly advised about the costs which many callers will be incurring.


I recently did a piece on BBC Radio Solent about GPs with expensive 0844 numbers, where the presenter had to ask listeners to call a 0845 number to offer their opinions. We discuss this point at the end of this clip.

The situation was clearly put before listeners - they had the chance to comment by text and email; I am sure that a lot of comments about the station's own number would have caused a response. If very few were made, it is easy to see how nothing would be done about it! (It is possible that an overwhelming majority of those who do not prefer to communicate by email or text message have BT landlines and are therefore currently protected from paying a surcharge to call 0845.)


There is a lot of misunderstanding about this issue, and widespread ignorance that 03 is the ready and fully acceptable alternative for many situations. Ofcom is largely to blame for not having been sufficiently proactive in promoting 03, although some of this blame must be shared with the Cabinet Office, which pulled out of what could have been a major project for widespread public sector adoption, due to a silly squabble.


A local campaign centred on one station could be effective, if public concern could be mobilised, perhaps through a local newspaper. If Ofcom moves ahead to take forward the proposals covered in its recent consultation, then this will have a major effect on awareness.

(I have other campaigning priorities at present, but will be happy to lend any support I can on this.)

SilentCallsVictim wrote on Apr 21^st, 2011 at 11:42pm:


Could you elaborate on this project/squabble? It intrigues me!

Thanks