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Radio 2 raises live music profile
BBC Radio 2 is to increase its live music output, launch a major new songwriting initiative and give artists greater support by playlisting albums.
The award-winning network is also to clear its schedules for an evening in the summer to host a live debate on the music business.
Lesley Douglas, Head of Programmes for Radio 2, announced the developments during her keynote speech to the Radio Academy's Music Radio Conference in London today (9 April).
Full copy of speech available
Radio 2 is to extend its live music output to a mid-morning audience of over six million listeners by introducing a new strand within the Ken Bruce show and Richard Allinson's Saturday afternoon programme will change its live music focus to new artists – the potential icons of the future.
Janice Long continues to carry live music sessions in her night-time show providing a platform for the more reflective, acoustic areas of Radio 2.
Lesley Douglas says: "Radio has a responsibility to help energise the music of this country and ensure that it continues to be exciting.
"We cannot provide brilliant music radio without great music and great artists. We need to build on the talent available and to develop quality in depth so we will continue to support and diversify our live music output."
The songwriting initiative Sold On Song is to be launched on air this Easter and will be reflected across all programmes as well as having a significant online presence.
Lesley says: "The art of songwriting is something which underpins a great deal of Radio 2's output. Through Sold On Song we intend to give aspiring songwriters information on how to approach the music industry; we will give music lovers a guide to songwriting, to help the McCartneys of the future to find their way."
Radio 2 will also help develop and support artists and reflect the tastes of its adult audience by shifting the balance away from singles on the playlist towards album based artists.
Lesley says: "We have always reflected albums within our programmes but we have now taken the decision to support artists in greater depth by further moving the balance of singles within the playlist to provide greater patronage for albums."
The network will also mount a special event on the British music scene – The Great British Music Debate - which will be an evening of features and live debate involving artists, listeners and key industry players and commentators.
"We intend to look at the British music scene – to discuss the problems of piracy and to investigate ways forward – to bring a realism to the singles debate," says Lesley.
"We intend to use the occasion to dispel damaging impressions – to give an external voice to the internal debate. To move the story forward."
Notes to Editors
Ken Bruce | Monday to Friday | 9.30am-noon |
Richard Allinson | Saturdays | 3.30-6.30pm |
Janice Long | Monday to Friday | midnight-3.00am |
A full copy of Lesley Douglas' speech is available.
Lesley Douglas' biography.
All the BBC's digital services are now available on Freeview, the new free-to-view digital terrestrial television service, as well as on satellite and cable. Freeview offers the BBC's eight television channels, interactive services from BBCi, as well as 11 BBC radio networks.
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