Keeping on the Beat

Save 6Music!

Gosh, has it really been nearly a fortnight since I last updated Keeping on the Beat? I feel somewhat guilty for having neglected my pet project a little of late, but these are busy times in the maglab; I’ve been making lovely magazines, such as this one, and busily scribbling away at other things – like this, this and this. I’ve not been slacking entirely, I promise.

Last Friday, it was suggested that the BBC might axe their 6Music digital radio station. Naturally, alarm bells began to ring. Today, it was announced officially, as part of a review submitted to the BBC Trust. For the love of Richard Tait, I hope they don’t approve it.

The BBC Asian Network is also in line for closure, and the BBC plans to greatly reduce its online output – which makes sense, because, like, I totally heard that the internet’s not where the future lies. BBC Magazines may also be sold off, but – despite being, at heart, a slave to the printed word – I’m less concerned by this: the main BBC magazines are profitable enough brands that they’ll be snapped up by other companies.

Closing 6Music would, essentially, be a disaster. I’m by no means alone in thinking this – broadcasters, journalists and musicians have all spoken out against the proposed closure. Doubtless many have  have been able to express themselves on this topic far more elegantly than I (hell, for once I even agree with what Lily Allen’s saying), but I still feel compelled to add my paltry words to the pool.

6Music represents the BBC’s commitment to independent music. It may not generate the astronomic listening figures of Radio 1 or Radio 2, but that’s the point of it: it caters to a niche audience whose interests may not be catered to by other radio stations. The very reason I originally got a digital radio was because I was sick of having to listen to the likes of Radio 1 – to stations which didn’t play music that I wanted to listen to.

One of the things which I’ve always loved about the BBC is the sheer breadth of its output. Vowing to spend 90 pence from every licence fee pound on programming, while disregarding an area of programming which is obviously close to the hearts of many – if the outcry is anything to go by – is not the way to go. If you’re going to do it, at least do it quickly and as painlessly as possible; have the good grace not to rub salt in the wound by trying to justify it with absurd logic.

Even better, don’t do it at all. 6Music costs around £7 million per year to run; given that Jonathan Ross was on £18 million for three years and is gone from the BBC as of July, the books are already almost balanced. See? If they can do leaps of logic, so can I.

The BBC has admitted that a big enough public outcry could make them change their mind. Write/email to the BBC Trust, join the Facebook group or add a Twibbon to your display picture if you’re on Twitter – make some noise; grab a flaming torch and join the baying mob.