Feedback 25 June 2009 - Yes, the summer brings that famous tennis tournament and with it the feeling that ideas are batting back and forth like a tennis ball. This week Feedback looks at your comments - on our articles and programmes - and our responses.

First up, a bit of criticism sent in to our forum on the new website by Jacob Tabak [edited, full text on website]:

“Each year Radio Netherlands' reporting becomes less sceptical and less in-depth. Two examples: (1) The Research Files was the only science program that went beyond the scientists' self-described stories to ask, "Why bother with this type of research?" Sadly, the Research Files has been replaced by less serious, less frequent, and less critical science reporting.

(2) Many years ago when the Soviet Union shot down the South Korean airliner, Radio Netherlands was the only international broadcaster to withhold judgment and concentrate on facts. RN's reports on the tragedy were careful, detailed, and free of bias... Now, many of RN's news stories would fit well inside an issue of People magazine. Please return to writing reports that "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable."

Andy Clark, Head of English Department, replies:

“Hello Jacob, your criticism is sharply worded, but lacks evidence. I wonder why you perceive the current science reporting as "less serious" and "less critical"? Why would many of "RN's" reports "fit well inside an issue of People magazine?”

You provide no arguments for this point of view, just opinions. A large part of our science reporting has moved to Earthbeat, a programme which is constantly asking "what is the point of this research, can it help the world?" That is the "serious" question RNW is asking all the time.

The point of comparing our news reporting is the Korean plane incident, which took place 26 years ago is also an odd one. I'm sure our news reporting was different at the time, but we live in a whole new media world than in 1983. Rest assured we are as impartial and independent as ever.”

Wonderful experience

Back on the other side of the court, we received a wonderful comment through . Barbara Whitehouse wrote in to ask a question, but also share her experience brought to her by Radio Books:

“I listened to your program just a while ago, although I was not actually listening because after a hectic weekend I couldn't sleep, put my earphones and tuned in to a Jazz program on CBC. I must have dozed off when I was suddenly aware of a man speaking, about being in trouble and I was not sure what was happening to him. I listened to the story and it was incredible, I thought I was going to be smothered, but I kept on listening. At first I was terrified for him and wanted him to be rescued but, as he continued, I felt less and less for him. All his regrets for a life he had not fully participated in made me think of my own regrets.

The whole jist of the above paragraph is that I would like to read "love" in its entirety. Could you tell me where I can obtain the story? Thank you for any help you can give. Good night.”

Producer of Radio Books, and reader of this story, David Swatling replies:

“Yes, it was 'Love' by Erik Jan Harmens. The article is now available on the website, where you can listen to the whole thing - but not read it (as with all RB stories, they were commissioned/written to be read aloud - not to be read in print).

Thanks for this - I think it's one of the best stories we've had in the whole series. Very thought provoking and more than a little claustrophobic. It was exhausting to read!”

"That's made my day."

And finally, staying on this side of the court, and proving your comments do matter, William Curry sent us this comment:

“Please, accept a thank you for the excellent quality of "Network Europe" and
"Earthbeat", two programme podcasts that I regularly listen to and genuinely enjoy.”

Producer of Earthbeat, Marnie Chesterton replies:

“That's made my day.”

And thanks to all of our listeners/readers who continue to write in, both to make us think, and to make our day.