...and it's one of the many pieces he's done which make him a National Treasure, like.
I disagree with his contention that radio and TV haven't blended regional accents, though. I never had one, as far as I know, but my schools, and the Army, which used to bring people from around the world, let alone the country, certainly did. It was also very true that most of those I had dealings with in the 70s were prouder of their local accents than Meades gives credit for; in Northern Ireland, for instance, a careful ear could tell you to within five miles of where the speaker originated, and they were all fairly fierce about it. In Corps Basic Training in 1970, a Dorset lad and a Glaswegian would hardly be able to exchange any information whatsoever in week one, but by the time of the pass-out parade, they would be greatest pals.
The essay (he does essays) was about much more than that, mostly summed up as 'bullshit'; not his, but of those manipulators who use their public positions to control the masses. The programme will be systematically ridiculed and condemned for -ism in the Guardian tomorrow. Stand on me.