Moving pre-emptively to avoid Cameron and Murdoch doing the surgery, Auntie has opted for what it presumes is the path of least resistance and is amputating two radio stations. Scrapbook isn’t familiar with the Asian Network but BBC 6 Music is an unassailable instance of the Corporation providing what the private sector will never, ever be interested in.

At about 2m30s in this clip from Channel 4 News there’s some great gallows humour from Adam Buxton as he challenges his boss to a fight. From the expression on his face the D.G. is evidently in dire need of a sense of humour transplant:

“Mark ‘Thommo’ Thompson, I’m inviting you out for a fight. I can take you, I’ve been practising. No, seriously …”

The Facebook group is about to bust through 100,000 members and over 4,000 tweeters are sporting this Twibbon on their profile.

John Peel must be ‘spinning’ in his grave.*

* GEDDIT??!! Peel would be the first to appreciate this joke, especially in such a good cause.

Hat-tip: @gjcsouthsea

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While steadfastly defending the Beeb’s decision to invite Nick Griffin onto Question Time, director general Mark Thompson has told the Guardian that the BNP leader will be “challenged tenaciously” on the programme. David Dimbleby has been given the green light to raise issues such as holocaust denial.

In other developments:

• 400 police will be on duty and a plan is in place to get Griffin into the building “in a timely and safe manner”.
• The BNP reportedly explored the possibility of chartering a private helicopter to ferry their leader before the BBC told them there was nowhere suitable to land.
• Filming has been brought forward by two hours to 6:30pm to allow time for scuffles to be edited out.
• An alternative secret venue have been prepared in the event that filming at Television Centre is prevented for some reason.
• Radio 4 Word of Mouth presenter Michael Rosen has criticised the appearance of Griffin, saying the BBC “were relishing” the ratings.
• Renowned legal expert Peter Hain QC is still giving out free advice.

Eleven hours to go!

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