BBC Radio Norfolk: Treasure Quest's future looks brighter

Now, fans of Radio Norfolk's Treasure Quest hope they have detected signs of encouragement that their favourite show may yet be saved from the BBC's axe.

The show, which celebrates turning 15 this year, has been facing an uncertain future after the Corporation announced it was making major cuts to its local radio programmes.

But this week, the BBC announced a revision of its proposed plans, following feedback from listeners.

The Forum, where BBC Radio Norfolk airs from (Image: Newsquest)

Sharing the news via the public Facebook group, "questers" were thrilled with the latest announcement.

Fan James Nichols described local radio as a "lifeline" for many, especially the elderly or people living on their own.

"The same old voices talking about local people in local communities make people feel a part of things," he said.

Brian Lake asked: "Why change a format that gets all of Norfolk involved?"

In October last year, the BBC proposed that its local radio stations would share more content and would broadcast less programming unique to their areas, as part of its new strategy to create a “modern, digital-led” broadcaster. 

But on Wednesday (January 18), the corporation announced it would be increasing the proposed number of afternoon and weekend programmes, while revising proposed pairings of stations following “feedback from staff and audiences”.

And while there has still been no definitive answer as to whether Treasure Quest is safe, it appears to be a positive move.

The show, which sees listeners call in to give answers to cryptic clues to direct presenters around the county to find treasure, is currently presented by Sophie Little and clue-hunter Julie Reinger.

Nationally, the initial proposals caused widespread outrage, with criticism from figures from local government, broadcasting, and the music industry. 

A BBC spokesperson said: "Our goal is to modernise our BBC Local services across England to strengthen our online provision for communities across the country and we have to make changes to do this.

"Full line-ups and schedule information will be announced in due course."

Regional TV news programmes in Oxford and Cambridge were among the services being scrapped – merging with the BBC’s Southampton and Norwich operations. 

The BBC confirmed that more information would be announced later this year.