If you read any independent music blogs based in the UK you will probably have heard that the BBC is planning to close one of the jewels in their musical crown, BBC Radio 6 Music. 6 Music seems to be the radio station of choice for the UK Ruckus girls, playing a wonderfully eclectic mix of old school music, and newer independent music from a range of genres. Many of the bands we love and support got their radio play breaks on 6 Music, and still get a great deal of their airplay time from this wonderful station.
If you are not from the UK then it might be useful to be aware that the BBC is publically funded, through a tax that all TV owners pay called the TV licence, This means that the BBC recieves no commercial funding through advertising or sponsorship, and also that the BBC has a duty to provide a range of programming to meet the needs of a broad cross section of the public. They do this through 4 television channels and 10 national radio stations along with numerous local radio stations and of course the BBC world service. Many people believe that the BBC has the duty to provide programming that other stations won't provide as it is not commercially viable.
8 years ago this week the BBC started a digital radio staion called BBC 6 Music, it was the first national radio station that they had launched in 32 years, and had the aim of playing "alternative" music that wouldn't necessarily be given airplay time on the more mainstream music stations such as Radio 1 or Radio 2. For me it is a godsend of a radio station, bridging the gap between Radio 1 (which is very mainstream for the most part) and Radio 2 which (probably innacurately) feels aimed towards an older demographic.
But the BBC have been under pressure to cut costs, and 6 Music doesn't get the listening numbers that justify it's existence. So one of the latest cost cutting plans (along with nearly halving the beeb's web presence and getting rid of their asian network radio station) is to scrap this wonderful station which gives so much to independent alternative music.
Instead of having a dedicated station which showcases older music, introduces new music and allows a new generation to access the radio genius that was John Peel (in the form of replaying his sessions) the Beeb has said that they will move some of the programming to other radio stations. This just doesn't cut it for me. I can't see Radio 1 giving the time and dedication to unsigned up and coming artists. And if that means no more breakthroughs for the likes of Mumford and Sons, Noah and The Whale and Frank Turner then I will be protesting until my right to reply is taken away.
So what can we do? Well, the good side of the Beeb being publically funded is that any changes like this have to go through public consultation. We have until the 25th of May to get our voices heard. You can email srconsultation@bbc.co.uk and tell the BBC why you feel 6 music should be protected. And give the station a listen, nothing really says how much we love it better than increased listenerships.
So heres to 6 music, home of independent up and coming bands of all genres, I hope I get to celebrate many more of your birthdays in the future.
