BBC 6Music & The Asian Network

[Skummy]

In light of the "axe" that isn't hanging over Radio 1, it's looking increasingly likely that we're going to lose the greatest radio station in the country. This is not good. I can't speak nearly as much for the Asian Network, being that I'm nowhere near it's target demographic - though Pathaan's Musical Rickshaw is brilliant late-night listening on the iPlayer.

So, yeah. It looks like 6Music isn't "popular" enough - despite the constant criticisms of the BBC that they shouldn't be "chasing ratings", and should be making more challenging, enlightening and distinctive programming - 6Music possibly being the only part of the BBC consistently doing so. They've got a wider range of music played than any other BBC or commercial station, and a more entertaining and well-informed line-up of presenters - it's not elitist, nor is it patronising, it's just a bloody good station playing bloody good music, in a way that only the BBC can really get away with. But it's for the chop.

However, being the BBC, there's a BBC Trust consultation period. And as (theoretically) license-payers, the public are encouraged to take part in that process. What this means is that if, for the next 12 weeks, we make a right bloody racket about what a bad decision it is - the BBC have little choice to take our words and actions seriously.

So what do you do? Listen to the stations - either live or on iPlayer - sign the petitions, join the Facebook groups. Most importantly;

trust.enquiries@bbc.co.uk E-mail the Trust. Tell them politely and succinctly why axing the finest radio station we have is a bad idea. Tell them why it flies in the face of every principle the BBC is built on. Most importantly, though, just let them know that you give a fuck. The beautiful thing about the BBC is that we can make a difference, and I will be incredibly pissed off if we don't.

More about the consultation period is available here;

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

[probablyoliver]

Today Lauren Laverne played Boards of Canada.

I've never been so aroused in my life.

[METALMAN]

It's a shame! I don't listen to the radio often, but when I do it's nearly always 6music.