...and I'm such a sheep. Here's what I sent 'em yesterday (although the spelling/grammar has been corrected to protect the innocent).
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Dear sir or madam,
It has been widely reported today there is a proposal to shut down the BBC Asian Network and 6music radio stations and, as I understand it, this will be going through a period of consultation with the BBC Trust. I'd like to point out that this proposal is targeting two of a handful of radio stations (including Radio 3) that really only an organisation like the BBC can provide. I can comment mainly regarding 6music - my radio station of choice. It provides a welcome alternative to the current content found on Radio 1 & 2 (content that is also generally available elsewhere on commercial radio, both national and local), and rarely do either of those stations promote shows that allow listeners to discover new (and old!) music organically, across a diverse range of styles. It also seems recently that Radio 1 & 2 now have very few shows that will take editorial and artistic risks with their programming, unless you count what happened with Messrs. Brand & Ross. (And look how that turned out.)The BBC has a duty to "inform, educate and entertain" and 6music does all three not only proficiently and cheaply but with the nicest bunch of DJs you could ever hope to find. The whole station has a fantastic vibe, the presenters are knowledgeable and excited about the music they play or the material they present - it's an utter joy. Honestly, instead of shutdown it deserves an FM license so that everyone can listen! Radio 1 & 2 are broadcasting behemoths that stifle a commercial sector more than capable of providing exactly the same content. By comparison 6music fulfills the BBC mandate and operates in a way that no station surviving on targeted advertising ever could. It is unique. And brilliant. I urge you, in fact, I beg you to reconsider this shutdown.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Kind regards,
Neil Sharkey
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There's a petition, and this page also has details about how to complain to Auntie: http://www.petition.fm/petitions/6musicasiannet/1000/
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