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Alexandra Campbell's avatar

Gardeners World is going to find it tricky to get that new, younger audience if they insist on excluding the platforms the new, younger audience are currently on. The BBC coverage of the RHS shows excludes any other 'permanent video' created by others - ie YouTube (the UK's largest social media platform), TikTok (the world's fastest growing platform) and, theoretically, Instagram Reels (though the Directors Prize at this year's RHS Chelsea was given to Dahlia Beach, which specialises in Instagram Reels). The rules seem patchily applied but they are there. The days when you could attract an audience by being 'exclusive' and putting on things they might like so they can only get them from you are long gone. Now you get further faster by being inclusive and working 'with' your 'competitors.'

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John Kingdon's avatar

I stopped watching "Monty's World" years ago. The list of reasons why I refuse to acknowledge the epithet of "Nation's Head Gardener" is loooonnnng". Oh for the days of St. Geoff who "persuaded" and informed/entertained, speaking to all abilities and really showing how to to something from the get go, rather than preaching about results and foibles. Beechgrove makes no secret of the little army of gardeners who do most of the work whilst the presenters get the glory. And you won't find me anywhere near the Express so if Monty ends up there, fine by me.

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Anne Wareham's avatar

Even more shortsighted.

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Angela's avatar

Just found your stack and so glad I did. Love your take on “Don Monty”.

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Anne Wareham's avatar

That's good! Thanks for telling me.

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Martin Owen's avatar

It’s a programme on prime time on an entertainment channel. Duh! It’s rather like those who dislike flower shows because the gardens are unrealistic or on trend. It is a SHOW. An old friend who ran the Welsh Language Garden Club (Clwb Gerddio). Told me “You can’t go wrong. SHow people gardens they couldn’t possibly afford and show them how to dig a hole for the plant they have bought at B&Q.” You can always buy a copy of William Robinson’s The Wild Gardener from an Antiquarian Book Shop and spend your Friday evenings reading.

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Anne Wareham's avatar

Wondering who this is addressed to? Me? Monty? Renters? The Welsh?

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Charles Hawes's avatar

I would annoy him if I could as I find him insufferably right on and full of platitudes. But since I don’t watch him or read his stuff I am probably wholly unjustified in saying this.

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Anne Wareham's avatar

You are!

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Pauline C's avatar

I quite like Beechgrove , it’s much more in tune with the current need to find inexpensive ways of gardening. The broadcasting budget is much lower than Gardeners World but it does a good job. Haven’t watched Gardeners’ World in a while. However if you were one of the presenters Anne…

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Anne Wareham's avatar

Ha! As if! Xxxx

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