6 Music Should Be Saved For The Sake Of Alternative Music

I’m a huge supporter of public service broadcasting. I think that the BBC is one of the great British institutions and one of our greatest cultural exports. It is true that the BBC should not be paying multi million salaries to entertainment presenters. Sadly, the decision to axe 6 Music and the Asian Network represents a complete derogation of the BBC’s duty as a public service broadcaster.

6 Music should not be judged on listener figures alone. It provides a platform for alternative music that would not gain a platform in the commercial sector. 6 Music performs a crucial role in providing a platform for new or unsigned bands that they would not gain in the commercial sector. Providing an opening for new and unsigned bands and providing a stage for alternative music that would not otherwise gain exposure is surely the very essence of public service broadcasting.

Indie music, alternative music and alt country are all well served by 6 Music in a way that they are not well served and would not be well served by the commercial sector. They have every right to be regarded as culturally and socially important as other forms of music that might be played on Radio 3. Indeed, rock n’ roll and indie music continues to be a great British cultural success story and the likes of 6 Music are crucial to ensuring that this British creative industry continues to thrive.

Without a radio station set up to encourage and nourish alternative music, the commercial sector is more likely to play popular, 'middle of the road' music than music that genuinely pushes boundaries. 6 Music encourages musical creativity and innovation.

The BBC should re-consider the decision, for the sake of public service broadcasting and for the sake of British music.