About the Classic FM Consumer Panel
Lord Eatwell, Chairman of the Classic FM Consumer Panel
John Eatwell has taught economics at Cambridge since 1970, and became President of Queens' College, Cambridge in 1997. From 1980 to 1996 he was also a Professor in the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research, New York. He has been a Visiting Professor at Columbia University, New York, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the University of Amsterdam.
From 1985 to 1992 John Eatwell served as economic adviser to Neil Kinnock, the leader of the British Labour Party. In that post he was responsible for much of the work which led to a substantial re-alignment of the Labour Party's economic policies. In 1992 he entered the House of Lords, and from 1993 to 1997 was Principal Opposition Spokesman on Treasury and Economic Affairs.
In 1988, together with others, he set up the Institute for Public Policy Research, which has now established itself as one of Britain's leading policy think-tanks. He remains a member of the Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Board of the Royal Opera House from 1998 to 2006 (with particular responsibility for the Royal Ballet). He chaired the Board of the British Library from 2001-06.
Lord Eatwell, took up the new role as the chairman of the Classic FM Consumer Panel in August 2007. Speaking about his appointment, he said: “Classic FM has brought the joy of classical music to millions. The task of the Consumer Panel is to ensure that Classic FM listens to its listeners, enhancing their enjoyment and broadening their experience. I am delighted to be taking over the chair from Chris Smith, and I am committed to maintaining the constructive, yet vigorous critical style that he pioneered.”
Consumer Panel Members
Meet our newest members: Ann Carnachan, Richard Nayar and Charlie Pagliero
Ann Carnachan, 63 years old and retired, lives in County Down in Northern Ireland. Ann says: “Having lived in many parts of the world, I enjoy various types of music. Because I came late to the love of classical music and am a comparative novice I particularly appreciate how Classic FM presents it in a way that is accessible to everyone. I would especially like to have children introduced to the joy of classical music in a lively and interesting manner – something that can stay with them for all of their lives. Classic FM already is making great strides towards involving children and young people and that is one reason why I will enjoy working on the Consumer Panel with the other members.”
Richard Nayar:
"Having had an earlier and still active interest in Rock, Country and Folk I discovered Classic FM from its inception when we were both beginners! In time my appreciation and knowledge of classical music has improved but I still consider myself a learner rather than a self-confessed expert, probably like the majority of our listeners.
Along with my young family I suppose I am quite evangelical about the station and I feel passionately that classical music in all its forms should be enjoyed by as wide a section of the general public as possible and not be seen as elitist.
I feel strongly that Classic FM, which has given so me much pleasure over the years, should help to enrich the lives of as many people as possible of all ages and backgrounds."
Charlie Pagliero is a 21-year-old History and Politics student and Manager of his university radio station.
"I am an avid fan of music of all genres. However, classical music holds a special significance to me as, from a young age, I have considered it the most sophisticated form of music, capable of stirring the deepest of emotions. Nevertheless, it is often its depth and apparent complexity that make it seem somewhat impenetrable to young music fans. I greatly admire and respect Classic FM's ability to entertain and educate both the classical connoisseur and the uninitiated listener. So, I am delighted to join the consumer panel and hope to help the station continue its success in making orchestral music accessible for the younger generations and the connoisseurs of the future."
Andrew McNeish , a 52-year-old company director for a company specialising in property and interior design, from Blanefield in Glasgow joined the Classic FM Consumer Panel in April, 2005. Speaking about his decision to apply for the Panel, he says:
"The programmes and presenters bring a refreshing and varied interest to the music selection, educating the uninitiated listeners like myself - yet presenting with competence, from their own love and knowledge this timeless yet topical music. I have found that the station’s developing philosophy to classical music entertainment has tuned into my own creative instincts from which I hope to bring some input to the consumer panel."
Brian McDowell , a 51-year-old teacher from Tiverton in Devon joined the Classic FM Consumer Panel in April, 2005. Speaking about his decision to apply for the Panel, he says:
"I am interested in the development of Classic FM's delivery of excellent classical music radio to a wide and growing audience. As someone who enjoys classical music I hope I can offer the opinions and ideas of an enthusiastic listener. As a father of four children and as a teacher I hope that I am in touch with some of the opinions and needs of younger listeners."
Paul Bonner joined the Panel during 2008. He has been a devotee of classical music all his life and a listener to Classic FM since its inception in the autumn of 1992. At the age of 74, he represents on the Panel the many thousands of listeners in the later stages of retirement for whom Classic FM is something of a lifeline to the culture of classical music. He brings the experience of a forty-year career in broadcasting to his evaluation of the station's output.
Sandie Pinches , a 60 year old international executive/corporate coach from Hampshire joined the panel in 2008.
“Having lived and worked in the USA, Australia and Europe, of all the radio stations I have listened to around the world Classic FM is my favourite, and it is quite simply the best. The music and the voices of Classic FM keep me company no matter how busy I am – either in my office or the car. Having discovered Classic FM in 2000 I have been an avid listener ever since. I am delighted to join the Consumer Panel and look forward to working collaboratively with everyone.”
Tim Chamberlain, a 36 year old Recruitment Professional from Surrey, has had a real interest in music since an early age and went on to study a degree in music at the University of Liverpool where he further developed his interest in all types of music (classical, jazz and pop).
"I wanted to join the consumer panel because I believe that Classic FM has a responsibility to ensure that classical musical is accessible to people of all ages as well as offering its listeners the chance to hear new music and talent across the UK. Having been fortunate enough to enjoy an education in music myself I believe that Classic FM also has a role to play here and I'm delighted to be appointed to the consumer panel."
