The Reading Chronicle has reported that presenters of 107 JACK fm breakfast in Berkshire, are refusing to play Christmas songs, until December 23rd at the earliest!
Robin Banks and Neal Veglio have hit the headlines in Reading for banning Christmas on their programme.
The Reading Chronicle reports they have been told to play what they are told or face the chop.
Robin told listeners: “It’s a point of difference. Every other station in the area is playing those Christmas songs. If you really want to hear them, tune across to them.”
Neal added: “I’m one hundred per cent behind you, and I’ll quit before I play any festive music.”
Programme Manager, Gavin Harris told the paper: “This is an internal matter between the radio station and the presenters. However, I’m determined to give listeners to JACKfm Berkshire what they would expect to hear, and I think they would expect to hear Christmas songs throughout December.
“We’ll be following suitable disciplinary procedures if need be, but I’m confident we’ll be playing Christmas Wrapping, All I Want For Christmas, and Stop the Cavalry before too long.”
Whether or not you are fond of Christmas music this is a very good publicity stunt and it raised a discussion in the office as to whether we want to be ‘christmatised’ so early. Also the point was raised as to whether much of the festive music is worth listening to. We seem to be surrounded by seasonal sounds when we go shopping so is it necessary to have to listen to them while we are having breakfast.
We have had a straw poll in the office to decide our favourite top 5 songs – not including carols – and they are as follows:
The Pogues and Kirsty McColl – Fairy Tale of New York
Chris Rea – Driving Home for Christmas
Bing Crosby – White Christmas
Paul McCartney – Wonderful Christmas Time
Band Aid – Do They Know it’s Christmas?
What are your favourite Christmas songs and are there ones you find really irritating?
by Charlotte Courthold
Christmas ornament coutesy of Kristina Servant at Wikimedia Commons
