UK Music industry urges BBC to preserve Introducing shows
The news has been met with dismay from some of the music industry’s most prominent figures and organisations, who have voiced concern at the potential loss of a platform that has provided opportunities for up-and-coming artists.
A number of prominent music industry figures and organisations have strongly voiced their concern at reports that BBC Introducing, the platform which highlights new and upcoming artists, is set to be scaled back. This could potentially mean an end to the local radio element of the organisation, which has provided countless opportunities for unsigned, undiscovered, and under-the-radar UK music talent. All 32 BBC Introducing presenters across the UK have reportedly been put on notice of redundancy as part of the shake-up.
Thirteen music industry leaders, including the Music Venue Trust and Association of Independent Music, have written to BBC Chairman Richard Sharp to voice their strong disapproval of the potential threat to BBC Introducing posed by cuts to the BBC’s local radio stations. In their letter, the representatives stress that such a decision would be a serious blow to grassroots music, adversely affecting new and emerging artists – particularly those from outside major cities – who are already facing major obstacles in breaking into the music industry.
BBC Introducing has been an invaluable contributor to providing access to the music industry, with local and regional opportunities available throughout the UK. As the BBC works to ensure its stability and longevity in the face of any future reorganisation, it is paramount that BBC Introducing does not become the unintended casualty of such changes. A BBC spokesperson has stated that the new local radio schedules will not compromise the essence of BBC Introducing, and that local radio will remain dedicated to discovering and promoting new talent.
In order to stay current with changing listening habits, BBC Sounds offers a dedicated Introducing slot, where more content than ever before can be heard. Radio breakfast shows also continue to feature Introducing tracks and artists, helping to spread the word even further. Thanks to BBC Introducing, the UK music scene has been enriched with the likes of Little Simz, Ed Sheeran and Florence & The Machine, all of whom have been championed through the platform in the early stages of their careers.
According to an anonymous source, plans are being made to cut two-thirds of all BBC Introducing radio shows, with the remaining shows being on a much larger regional scale. This would lead to an increase in competition between shows and a decrease in airtime available for new artists.
BBC Radio London presenter Jess Iszatt expressed concern about the potential changes: “We are worried that those who rely on BBC Introducing as a platform for new music will not realise what’s happening until it’s too late. Regionalising shows, we fear, will ultimately lead to them being scrapped entirely, depriving upcoming artists of an invaluable way of getting their music heard.”
This would be a particularly hard blow to new acts after last year saw Nia Archives become the first electronic music artist to be named BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year.
