The BBC has sought to assuage fears that unsigned Scots band will have less of a showcase on Radio 1 following planned changes to its schedule.
Earlier today, MSP Joan McAlpine submitted a Scottish Parliament motion urging the BBC to reconsider plans to replace a programme dedicated towards the best new unsigned music talent in Scotland – Introducing in Scotland – with an UK-wide one.
A petition with a similar ambition has attracted almost 6,000 signatures within a week.
Earlier today, allmediascotland reported the show is at risk because of budget cuts that have prompted a review of the BBC – Delivering Quality First – which has identified some 2,000 jobs at risk within the Corporation.
But a BBC spokesperson told allmediascotland.com: “Radio 1's commitment to unsigned talent in Scotland will continue through the new BBC Introducing Show, co-presented by Ally McCrae, which will replace the current show but will still champion undiscovered and unsigned talent from across the UK, while BBC Introducing will also host a stage at T in The Park and a BBC Introducing track will continue to feature in the daytime playlist every single week.”
“The BBC faces a 16 per cent reduction in its budget and, as the current BBC Introducing show costs around five times the amount the new show will cost, we believe that we can make significant savings while maintaining our support for new British music.”
