Judging by the archive, readers of this list have taken a fairly lively
interest in my work and publications over recent years.

Here is an opportunity to bite back.  On Wednesday next the BBC will
launch a new cultural show on air and on the Internet in which arts lovers
get their say against the makers and manipulators of art.  If there is
something on your mind, listen to the show and have your say, by phone by
e-mail.  I attach a BBC press release with the particulars.

Thank you for your attention.

lebrecht.live

is the new cultural debate forum on BBC Radio 3 and the World Wide Web,
where burning issues in the arts are debated and hotly disputed by makers
and consumers of culture.  The programmes -- which are unscripted -- will
be transmitted fortnightly from September to November.

We welcome contributions from abroad.  You can listen to the programme
online by visiting the Radio 3 website at www.bbc.co.uk/radio3 and
following the instructions for 'Listen Online' on the Home Page.  You will
need a PC with a sound card; the audio stream is supported by RealPlayer --
if you do not have RealPlayer, a free version can be downloaded by visiting
www.realplayer.com.

Our first show, airing Wednesday 13 September from 1900 UK time (2000 CET,
1400 US East Coast) until 1930 is called:

Are We Being Served?

Among the issues to be discussed are:

*Are concerts, opera, ballet and drama being put on at the right place, the
right time and in reasonable comfort?

*Are we getting value for money? When you pay $100 for a concert or theatre
ticket, shouldn't you get a free programme and welcome or interval drink?

*Who decides what gets performed? Does anyone listen to the audience?

Send us your views, before, during and after the programme.  Exchange ideas
with other arts lovers and give the system a good shaking out.

You can E-MAIL the programme at any time on [log in to unmask]
You can CALL the programme on 08700 100 444 (+44 8700 100 444 from abroad).
Lines are open on transmission days from 1800 (UK time), 1900 (CET),
1300 (US East Coast) until the end of the broadcast You can call the BBC
Helpline on 08700 100 300 (+44 8700 100 444) to put your views at any time.
We will forward your commments and questions to the programme

lebrecht.live -- transmission dates and provisional programme topics

Wednesday 13 September Are you being served?
Wednesday 27 September Presenters: who needs them?
Wednesday 11 October Funding
Wednesday 25 October Art - too much of a good thing?
Wednesday 8 November The Education Industry
Wednesday 22 November Value for Money?

About the presenter

Norman Lebrecht is the author of the international best-sellers The
Maestro Myth and When the Music Stops.  His Wednesday column in the London
Daily Telegraph has been described as 'required reading' for the cultural
community and is widely quoted in the world's media.

Norman Lebrecht