I feel horrible for complaining about this as it involves someone blameless presumably having a bad day. It is petty but on the news this morning one of the presenters came in to help read through the newspaper headlines and seemed to struggle as if surprised to be called on like a child in class being asked to read the next couple of paragraphs from the set text book after just being caught staring out of the window.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00wdfkf/Morning_Reports_10_12_2010

It was on FiveLive's Morning Reports programme just before 5:30 this morning and she seemed to struggle so much that I felt sorry for her. I understand that it was early in the morning and she did far better than I ever could (and that's not just trying to be polite: I really fear talking in public, whether they can see me or not, and the few occasions I have done usually involves mumbling quickly and sweat) but I suppose I feel more disappointed as I expect better from the BBC. I want to listen to the news and not be concerned by the person delivering it and this is heightened when on the radio as it much more intimate than television. There are many wonderful newsreaders on BBC radio who at their best have voices you can melt in which can produce a soothing, almost pleasurable experience for lighter pieces whilst still sounding like the voice of authority when required. Peter Donaldson and Harriet Cass make it sound easy when incidents like this morning indicate that this is not the case whilst the undoubted Godmother of them all is Charlotte Green who carries a hint of sensuality in her voice that can be playful on lighter stories and like a disappointed school mistress on harder items where you can almost hear her disillusionment at the world for letting her down with this latest tragedy.
   I have no idea about this woman's personal circumstances and it is certainly not the most disastrous broadcast on the BBC this week but whereas Naughtie and Marr made genuine mistakes this sounded unprofessional but perhaps this early morning slot is where new broadcasters start out and find there feet.