13 NOVEMBER 1993, Page 28

Listened with mother

Sir: As I expect your readers are aware, Radio 5 is to become a 'rolling sports and news' channel, and children's programmes are to be moreorless abandoned (a spokesman told me of plans for a daily 15- minute slot — a mauvais quart d'heure if ever there was one).

What a shame that the special magic that is radio should be denied to my children and thousands of others. Listening to the spoken word is a habit — is anyone going to be listening to anything in 20 years time? Perhaps your readers might like to tune in to the (usually wonderful) 7.15p.m. story for children while there is still time.

Emily Smith

11 Dewhurst Road, London W14