Big names from the music industry have sprung to the defence of digital radio station BBC6 Music, amid reports it is to be scrapped.
Music legend David Bowie and station founder Phil Jupitus have spoken out against the plans to close the station, and messages of support from listeners have overwhelmed the station’s presenters.
Bowie stated through his press agents: ‘6 Music keeps the spirit of broadcasters like John Peel alive and for new artists to lose this station would be a great shame.’
Shaun Keaveny, 6 Music's breakfast show host, told listeners on Friday: ‘First of all, massive thanks to everyone who has shown their support, it's literally choking us up... Nobody could know the whole story, and we won't until something like March 9. We hope it isn't true of course.’
On Friday, The Times reported that the BBC will close the two digital stations 6 Music and Asian Network, and half spending on its online activities.
Fans of the station soon used social networking site Twitter to support the cause, with the message #savebbc6music remaining one of the most popular topics of the day on the site.
The BBC is expected to announce its strategic plans officially next month. Media blogs have asked why the relatively low budget, well-loved station is being targeted, while BBC Three’s dubious TV output remains unchanged.
6 Music was launched in March 2002, with its listenership growing year on year to reach 695,000 this month.
A Facebook group encouraging people to complain to the BBC has attracted over 75,000 members.
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