Save 6 Music – Get Involved!

We were given voices so that we could use them. A fine thing indeed.

It’s a shame that Mark Thompson of the BBC only uses his to spout utter bollocks while attempting to justify his decision to axe 6 Music. So, Mr Thompson, after you shut down 6 Music because it “competes head-on for a commercially valuable audience”, I’m supposed to head on over to Radio 1 or Radio 2? Help! There’s so much to think about while choosing between them! Namely: “Which one will kill me first?”

I fear my image of hell — spending eternity crammed into a small lift with Chris Moyles with the Radio 1 playlist looped through tinny speakers while TV screens show endless repeats of ‘Total Wipeout’ — might be about to become my waking reality. Is there some programme of mass – plebification going on that I’m unaware of? What about diversity, BBC? What about inspiring knowledge, music and culture? Oh Auntie.

Returning to using our given voices, it seems that, likewise, we were given fingers for a reason too. Namely, to fill in petitions and write irate – though deliciously eloquent – emails to the BBC Trust.

So if, like me, you love 6 Music, let your inner rage out  and let it be heard!

Petition at https://consultations.external.bbc.co.uk/departments/bbc/bbc-strategy-review/consultation/consult_view

BBC Trust survey and email address for feedback at https://consultations.external.bbc.co.uk/departments/bbc/bbc-strategy-review/consultation/consult_view

6 Music: There Are No Words

I don’t ask for much, but I will today.

If you’re in possession of a pair of working ears and a brain that loves good music: get on-line, switch on your TV or tune your DAB radio and look for 6 Music. Once you’ve found it, please stay there for one day.

And if you like it – never, ever, stop listening.

Thinking about axing 6 Music, Auntie Beeb? Shame on you!

So it appears that what was yesterday only low-level internet speculation might today be a whispered reality: the BBC has had a rare moment of reflection, realised its turgid and vapid state, and decided to act. That’s all fine and well. I’ve suffered enough nightmares as a result of some of its recent programming to be truly in favour of the BBC deciding that “quality” is their new favourite word. But if the emphasis really is on “quality” (it seems that their definition of the word is disturbingly dissimilar to mine), then something doesn’t quite add up.

This afternoon, The Guardian is reporting that 6 Music might soon be quivering under the axe while, it appears, Radio 1 will continue as normal. Focussing on quality, BBC? Really? And judging by other online traffic on the matter, I’m not the only one to have fallen in love with the uniformly excellent 6 Music, and I’m also not the only one whose blood is starting to boil.

For fear that I’ll spontaneously combust if I start trying to articulate exactly why the mere suggestion of 6 Music disappearing from the airwaves makes me quite so angry, I’m going instead to turn to the good old rhetorical rule of three (which has seen me though many an angry letter in the past) and a few pictures.

So.

Talk of the BBC axing 6 Music makes me feel:

Angry

Upset

Frustrated

Because I love listening to:

Jarvis Cocker

Lauren Laverne

Shaun Keaveny - legend!

Who all play decent music, like:

Bombay Bicycle Club

Joy Division

Wild Beasts

So, dear BBC, stop spending money on:

Snog, Marry, Avoid?

Material Girl

Chris Moyles

… and THEN we can have a talk about “quality”.

Don’t like what I’m saying? Then refer to the picture of Jarvis Cocker, above.