Monocultures, Concrete and Tree Stumps: A Record of the Response to BBC Radio 4’s Decision to Axe Short Cuts

Last year, BBC Radio 4 decided to axe its multi-award-winning programme Short Cuts after 13 years on the air. In response, a group of audio makers formed Save Short Cuts, writing an open letter urging the BBC to reconsider. Despite 1568 signatories, the effort wasn't successful, Short Cuts wasn't 'saved'. Here, the group reflects on Short Cuts and the audio industry at large with the help of some of the hundreds of testimonials written by listeners and makers alongside the open letter. The responses serve as both a celebration and archive of Short Cuts and its impact, as well as a lament for—and battle cry against—an industry in crisis.