Proposed shake-up of BBC radio programmes will see a reduction in music shows that have provided a platform for emerging artists such as Florence + The Machine, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz and Lewis Capaldi.
Ralph Arvesen/Creative Commons
A coalition of live music groups have written to the BBC expressing "grave concern" over plans to scrap local radio programmes that support up-and-coming grassroots talent.
Their letter follows tweets from BBC local radio presenters, announcing the broadcaster’s intention to “streamline” its BBC Introducing shows as part of wider cuts to local radio networks.
Representatives from 13 organisations including the Music Venues Trust, LIVE and the Association of Independent Music, have written to BBC Chairman Richard Sharp asking for reassurance the BBC Introducing shows will be unaffected by any merger of local radio stations.
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There are currently 32 local BBC Introducing shows broadcast across England and the Channel Islands. The shows air every Saturday night, with the aim of supporting local artists with airplay and exposure.
The open letter says the entire network of BBC Introducing’s presenters and producers “have been placed on noticed of potential redundancies”.
It adds scrapping the programme would be “a fundamental blow to the health of the entire grassroots sector”.
“New and emerging artists already face significant obstacles to breaking into the music industry, challenges that are amplified for those artists and musicians living outside of the major cities," the letter says.
“BBC Introducing has been essential in providing access routes into the industry, with local and regional opportunities available right across the country.
“Whatever reorganisation might be required to meet the demands of the future stability and viability of the BBC, it should not be the case that BBC Introducing is the unintended victim of those changes.”
In a statement detailing its plans to reform local reform services released on its website yesterday (18 January), the BBC said it will continue to broadcast BBC Introducing programmes “as part of our schedule on Thursday and Saturday”, while “giving more prominence to new music” elsewhere on the schedule.
The broadcaster is yet to give indication of how many of the regional shows will remain on air, but suggested plans will be confirmed later this year.
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