Music Venue Trust shares open letter to BBC Chairman about uncertain future of BBC Introducing

Last week a BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire presenter took to Twitter to announce that there may be some "proposed changes" that could result in her show coming to an end. NME reports that there's proposals suggesting that 21 of the local radio shows across England and the Channel Islands could either merge or cease to exist, and now Music Venue Trust has penned an open letter to the BBC Chairman Richard Sharp expressing their "grave concerns about the current uncertainty surrounding the future of BBC Introducing."

The letter reads: "BBC Music Introducing is a fundamental cog in the machine of the grassroots sector. Its network of radio shows across the UK support new and developing music at grassroots level, through local shows on stations across England and the Channel Islands and flagship programmes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These 32 shows support local artists with local airplay, interviews and sessions and are deeply engaged with local grassroots music venues. They are presented and produced by people with a deep knowledge of local and regional music. They provide local gigs, festival stages and outside broadcasts alongside promotion and awareness raising. This work is not done by any other broadcaster; it is unique. Its reach extends to every corner of the country and it is especially important in left behind communities, where access to music and music opportunities is already incredibly challenging.

"BBC Introducing is a prime example of what the BBC does best that no other broadcaster can do. BBC Introducing programming directly addresses the core aims of the BBC, acting in the public interest, serving all audiences and delivering impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain.

"Despite this, we understand that the entire network of presenters and producers has been placed on notice of potential redundancies, and that the programmes they create may be under threat as a result of wider cuts to the BBC’s network of local radio stations.

"We want to impress on you very strongly that this 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. 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.

"Please can we have your urgent assurance that you and the BBC Board understand the vital role of BBC Introducing. We would like to hear how you plan to protect it for the future, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss with you how it can be developed, enhanced and improved to achieve even more for the communities it serves."

AN OPEN LETTER TO RICHARD SHARP, CHAIR OF THE BBC BOARD

The Future of BBC Introducing

We are writing to you as a group of organisations that represent key stakeholders in the live music industry... pic.twitter.com/LivwpGObvh

— Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) January 17, 2023