This week's Feedback is all about how to listen, where to listen, looking forward to listening and how to listen again, including praise for the website, RadioBooks, Indian widows and classical music.

The web team was often on these pages a short while back, mostly apologising for all of the teething problems around the launch of the new website and user design. They have worked hard to get the bugs out of the system and things are – more or less – running smoothly these days.

That's why it was so wonderful to get the following mail from James Vos of Vermont in the USA:

“Best wishes and thanks for the continued improved look/design/"user-friendliness" of the RNW/English site! I know change is hard for some people (me, included), but you all have done wonders and RNW listens! Thanks!”

Thank you James for giving Feedback the opportunity to applaud the whole, hardworking team. Another bit of praise came from Canada this time, but for a different subject. Johanne Rabbat sent the following mail:

“I thought I'd drop you a quick line to let you know how much I enjoy your Radio Books series which I've only recently discovered on CBC Radio, here in Montreal. The pieces read are always interesting and they showcase talented writers who would probably have gone unnoticed in my readings. Looking forward to next week's show.”

Thank you Johanne for finding us and sending us your comment. That is indeed the beauty of the series in that it highlights Dutch and Belgian writers whose work may not often be found in English, and they are written to be read on the radio.

Feedback also heard from another Canadian, asking if we broadcast on CBC in Canada. When Robert Breen was informed that indeed, we are to be found on the overnight service of the CBC, he replied:

“I was sure you did but had to confirm. I am on a different schedule these days but from what I can remember your service was excellent. Please continue your broadcasting. It makes the world a better place.”

High praise indeed. Making the world a better place is something that concerns us through much of our programming, even if only through informing the public. One recent example was a TSWI feature called Indian Widows - A Life of Ashes by producer Dheera Sujan.

Katherine Sreedhar sent this mail [edited for space]:
 
“I appreciated the story about Indian widows. However, I would have preferred The State
We’re In (TSWI) telling the broader story, which includes what widows themselves are doing in India to improve their lives.
 
There are organisations in India called “Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan." These Associations of Strong Women Alone organise widows and other single women (also women who may be deserted or divorced) to demand their rights and change their lives. The UU Holdeen India Program - www.uua.org - as well as HIVOS, partner with these organisations.
 
Dilip Mehta (Deepa Mehta’s brother) has made a film, “The Forgotten Woman,” which contrasts the widows TSWI described with the widows who are members of the Association of Strong Women Alone. I hope you will consider expanding your coverage to include a story about these organised and strong women.”
 
Producer Dheera Sujan replies:

“Thanks for your mail - and in fact this piece that you heard on Indian widows is a shorter version of a longer story I did some time ago. I did talk to Dilip Mehta when he was here to promote his film in which you and the UU Holdeen programme played such an important role.

And when I was in India, I did go and talk to NGOs and a couple of individuals in Varanassi and Kolkata who work with widows, and am sorry I didn't get a chance to come to Rajasthan to meet you and see your splendid organisation at work.

The thing is though as you would know - it's a vast problem in a vast country. And though some people are lucky to be in places where they can organise with other women, the general prejudices that Indian widows face is something the rest of the world is generally unaware of, and the time constraints of the programme meant that I had to considerably cut the material I had recorded in India itself.

But I do hope that in a future trip to India, I will get a chance to visit some of the Holdeen projects you mentioned.”
 
And finally, Ronald Wyllys was so moved by a classical recording he heard, he wanted a copy of his very own to hear again and again:
 
“I have just heard a Radio Netherlands program by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra that included Johan de Meij's stunningly beautiful Symphony No. 3, "Planet Earth". Is there any way in which I could obtain a recording of this symphony? I very much hope so.”
 
Dear Ronald, I have been reliably informed that this CD is for sale on the Internet:

North Netherlands Orchestra
The North Netherlands Concert Choir
Conductor Otto Tausk
Amstel Classics 2006-01

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We hope you continue to enjoy, both the music and RNW.