So design in this wider sense certainly includes landscape gardeners, architects, engineers, product designers, as well as the graphic designer (web designer?) you’re probably alluding to? Hence its importance. The manicurist I’d class as a stylist rather than a designer, but these aren’t exactly precise definitions.

Radio 4, for instance, has regular shows on sports, politics, farming, ‘medical matters’, travel, food, money, religion, ‘country life’, even poetry for goodness’ sake … and of course the media itself (how could the media not have a show about the media?) The lack of a design/architecture programme there speaks volumes about the BBC’s (Britain’s) lack of understanding of such things.

It might also be because, like snooker, some will struggle with what they think of as a visually-orientated subject matter on the radio. That again shows a lack of understanding of design. Equally, By Design – and the other shows I mention – indicate that it’s entirely possible to cover the subject(s), and well. I wonder if, in Britain at least, networks like Radio 4 are still largely run by the vestigial nub of an establishment orientated towards the literary (e.g. despite our best efforts here, highlighting the likes of Chris Watson et al, how many shows orientated towards sound, music or film, compared to books?). I’d be interested in what other countries/cultures have to offer in this area. For example, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, China, India, Mexico, Brazil. It’s interesting that Australia and Japan cover it.

However, as a designer, I know might have fallen into your trap and look a little defensive. But have a few listens to By Design. I’d be interested in your thoughts.