It seems likely that when the great ideological struggles of the Twentieth Century are investigated by the historians of the future, more attention than heretofore will be given to that between the Radio Times and the TV Times.
Sordel's interest in this behemothian conflict was engaged by the front page splash upon which RadioTimes editors are pinning their Pulitzer ambitions this year: "EXCLUSIVE [and this word, mind you, in red, as though the caps lock was insufficient alert to journalistic dynamite incoming] Back at the Beeb! Jonathan Ross on why he's older, wiser - and safer".
Now, set aside the immediate objections. True, Ross's final episodes of Film 2010 and Friday Night with ... did only air in March and July of last year respectively; there is stuff at the back of Sordel's fridge that as been out of sight for longer. True, Ross was on Top Gear last Sunday, so unless we are actually supposed to be excited that he is "back at the Beeb" after a respite of a full week, the hoopla does seem overstated.
And true, this appearance by Jonathan Ross is actually only as host of the BAFTA film awards. As reconciliations go, this scarcely ranks with Lear & Cordelia.
Set these issues aside and incline your mind instead to the the most pressing question that arises from this cover story:
Who cares?
RadioTimes, like the Russian bear, is fighting the Cold Wars of the past, when every household took two bottles into the shower: shampoo for the BBC, conditioner for ITV and Channel Four. Back then, when The Goodies crossed the floor from the BBC to ITV, TV Times treated them like defecting chess grandmasters. The timeses (TV and Radio) were vassal states fighting and dying for their implacable overlords.
With its monopolistic grip on the BBC listings, the Radio Times was once a proud superpower on the shelves of the newsagents. Now, like an old man his teeth, it has lost even the space in the middle of its title. Yet still it looks back upon former grandeur in the expectation that its readership will view it as Auntie's bastion, partaking of its every victory and defeat.
Just don't mention Sky.
