Petition progress
Published 19 Dec 2011 09:30
Share this
The petition to save BBC Introducing in Scotland, which is hosted by Neilston's Ally McCrae, is making significant progress and is set to be debated in the House of Commons.
The issue was raised by Perth MP, Pete Wishart, who told the attending members: "Introducing In [Scotland] is under threat by the BBC.
"It's one of these great programmes that so many new artists and bands find they get the radio platform for the first time in their careers.
"It's responsible for the early development of artists like Paolo Nutini and Calvin Harris. Bands like Biffy Clyro and Frightened Rabbit sent their first demos to Introducing In [Scotland] this is now to go.
"Such has been the response to this little radio programme on Radio 1 that it's already secured a petition of some 6,000 people - that is more per head of population than the petition to try and save Radio 6 [6Music], such is the concern about this. The individual identity and opportunity for bands from Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland will be lost.
"This isn't a local service, this isn't a regional service, this is a national service."
At Glasgow City Council's meeting on Thursday, December 8, it was agreed that the issue would look at, in depth, they stated: "Council notes that as part of its operational restructuring plans - titled 'Delivering Quality First' - the BBC has proposed the scrapping of the Introducing in Scotland radio show which has been the only outlet provided by Radio 1 to showcase up-and-coming bands and solo artists from Scotland to a Scottish audience.
"Council agrees to submit a response to the consultation by December 21 to demand that the BBC reverse its plans to scrap the Introducing in Scotland show and, to instead, protect and promote this unique programme."
This article appeared in Barrhead News 15 Dec 11
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
