BBC Radio 4 'too middle class and London-centric'

The report, which has been put together by BBC trustee David Liddiment, acknowledges that both stations have "passionate and loyal audiences", but says that they both need to widen their appeal.

The Trust has also approved the BBC's proposal to rename BBC Radio 7 as Radio 4 Extra, and says that children's radio output should be cut by three-quarters.

The report says that Gwyneth Williams, Radio 4's controller, faces a "significant challenge" in getting more people from ethnic minorities and poorer backgrounds to listen.

It suggests that the station should be promoted "among minority ethnic opinion formers through special content and marketing events", and that it should develop "more diverse presenter talent".

Among the English regions, Radio 4's popularity is at its lowest in the north. The report's suggestions for addressing this include "taking Radio 4 programmes to high profile northern events and venues, such as Gardeners’ Question Time at Harlow Carr near Harrogate and The Food Programme at the Eat festival in Newcastle".

The station must also explore the possibility of employing a full-time comedy producer in Manchester, "to keep in closer contact with emerging talent in the north".

Radio 3, says the report, is often perceived as "being aimed more exclusively at music connoisseurs" and sometimes sounds "elitist".

The Trust says that Radio 3 controller Roger Wright must make "Radio 3 more accessible and welcoming to potential listeners, particularly in the breakfast and drive-time slots".

However the report adds that this strategy must not reduce "quality and distinctiveness" or "alienate the core audience".

Tim Davie, the head of BBC radio, said: "We welcome the Trust's recommendation that we continue to build the appeal of Radio 3 and Radio 4 amongst potential new listeners in a way that preserves the quality and distinctiveness of the services and considers their existing, loyal audiences."