"A worrying step": Elton John joins the criticism of cuts to BBC Introducing
Elton John has joined the criticism of cuts across BBC Introducing, labelling the decision “a worrying step” that shows a “neglect of musicians”.
Back in January, a group of organisations who represent the live music industry penned an open letter to Richard Sharp, Chair of the BBC Board, asking for assurance over the future of BBC Music Introducing.
The letter was made in response to the news that the entire network of presenters and producers on the BBC Music Introducing programming had 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.
In a staff meeting on January 13, all audio teams at every local BBC radio station were told further details of the cuts. New plans to merge local Introducing shows across its network led to a campaign to keep the existing structure in place.
Following his remarkable headline performance at Glastonbury earlier this summer, John has also shared his worry at the news, writing: “BBC Introducing’s network and support of new music has been one of the best ways for emerging artists to get airplay and find listeners from local to national radio.
“After reading recent reports of cuts to certain services, I look forward to seeing the BBC make good on their promise to continue to support up-and-coming acts and not compromise the essence of BBC Introducing.”
He added: “To stop investing in the future of the UK’s influential music industry whilst cuts are being made to the creative sector across the board would be a worrying step and neglect of musicians who bring culture and capital to the UK at home and abroad.”
BBC 6 Music broadcaster Tom Robinson has also weighed in with criticism, after it was confirmed that the BBC Introducing restructuring would cut back from 32 shows to 20 - leaving numerous presenters and production staffs without work.
“Those shows, staffed by enthusiasts and volunteers have been supporting local music communities around the country with airplay, interviews and sessions ever since the network was founded in 2007. Many have worked to set up local gigs, festival stages and outside broadcasts for musicians in their area,” he wrote in the blog update. “From August onwards, all that is about to change.”
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