Camilla Mathias (Artist)

Angry, gutted and disillusioned. How is undiscovered new ground-breaking music going to get discovered if self-producing/releasing artists like me don't have the money to pay for a marketing team to help you with social media and getting a tonne of following on a tonne of platforms. Despite winning grants from Arts Council and Help Musicians, I personally still need the support of radio stations because who can afford a radio plugger to get noticed if you're not with a mega label? Maybe my route is not through a viral tiktok video and having the opportunity to be heard makes the difference between someone giving up their music career when they needn't, or having severe mental health challenges through trying to get on the radio when they could have a chance to get an audience. The UK needs to be ahead of the game in music as it leads in global talent in so many ways... not investing in what is next is hypocritical and anti-culture, anti-growth and lazy.

Camilla Mathias (Artist)

Angry, gutted and disillusioned. How is undiscovered new ground-breaking music going to get discovered if self-producing/releasing artists like me don't have the money to pay for a marketing team to help you with social media and getting a tonne of following on a tonne of platforms. Despite winning grants from Arts Council and Help Musicians, I personally still need the support of radio stations because who can afford a radio plugger to get noticed if you're not with a mega label? Maybe my route is not through a viral tiktok video and having the opportunity to be heard makes the difference between someone giving up their music career when they needn't, or having severe mental health challenges through trying to get on the radio when they could have a chance to get an audience. The UK needs to be ahead of the game in music as it leads in global talent in so many ways... not investing in what is next is hypocritical and anti-culture, anti-growth and lazy.

Adam Kidd (Artist)

We need the BBC Introducing shows as a fertile breeding ground for the next generation of artists. The music industry netted £4BN in 2021, but you can't bank on legacy artists like Blur, or Paul McCartney, to keep coming back to headline festivals forever. The platform has launched careers, such as George Ezra, Jack Garratt, Florence and the Machine, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, and Jake Bugg. We need more investment in this as a public funded broadcaster, in order to support the future of a vital UK industry. You should be looking at ways to make the shows have more impact on a wider variety of platforms, not axing a third of them.

Toby Mitchell (Artist)

BBC Introducing offers so many artists the opportunity to have their music heard by the people in their local areas. As an artist in West Yorkshire, who has been lucky enough to hear their own music on their local BBC Introducing show, it's incredibly distressing to see that so many local shows will be cut. With less shows, it will be harder for artists to break through, and the shows that remain will cover such a large area that they won't even feel local anymore. The feeling of community that can develop across a local music scene, massively driven by the support offered by the DJ's and producers of the BBC Introducing network, could be a serious casualty to these cuts.

There are better ways for the BBC to improve their online offering than almost halving the allotted time given to showcase upcoming talent on their radio shows. This could be done without jeopardising the community and opportunities provided by these shows, and not to mention the jobs of the people who have worked so hard to provide these for us.

Thank you so much to the people who have worked so hard at the local level of BBC Introducing over the years to make it what it is today. I hope that, despite the cuts across the UK, you are able to continue working in the industry you are passionate about and find new ways to bring upcoming and new music to the forefront of the music scene.

Florence Donovan (Artist)

What a sorry state of affairs. I hope that these cuts do not go ahead. BBC introducing is a vital lifeline to many artists across the UK. By reducing the local network I worry that this will limit access for artists in more remote areas - which defeats the object of the programme. The Uks eclectic and vibrant arts scene are unparalleled thanks to music loving volunteers and programmes like this. This can’t be allowed to go ahead.

Music Producer (Artist)

It's quite disappointing to learn, that despite the profound and overwhelming initial response to the changes, that they are still going ahead. I am also struggling to understand how, for example, merging 3 counties into one single 2 hour show is "providing the same coverage"? Sure, it might be covering a 'wider' area, but in doing so, they are cutting artists chances of being featured on air by more than half due to upload volumes.

BBC Radio Shropshire and BBC Introducing in Shropshire have provided me with so much support over the past 18+ months and have played a massive part in where I am with my music career, it's very sad to hear the show will be ending and other upcoming artists such as myself now could potentially miss out due to the increased amount of artists uploading music across 3 separate counties.

For example, just in Shropshire alone, 150 artists and musicians have been nominated at the Shropshire Music Awards this year, and that's just the ones who were fortunate enough to receive a nomination, not including all of the other bands, artists and musicians whom exist across Shropshire, now we are adding Hereford, Worcester and Stoke into the equation. Are you honestly telling me a single 2 hour weekly show is going to be able to provide fair and equal coverage and accommodate all of those musicians uploading music?

At a time when the music scene and industry has started to lose all meaning, with the uprising of streaming giants and the growing epidemic of online 'promotion scams' where artists are parting ways with money by dishonest means, when they are already struggling financially.

BBC Introducing has been my number 1 trusted source for honest, no strings attached airplay for my music, real people who actually listen to your creations and provide feedback.

Very sad to hear about these cuts and also devastating to learn staff and presenters are losing jobs.

Tom Shanks (Artist)

This is hugely disappointing given the current state of the music scene in this country and especially from one of the few organisations who have more influence on it than most.
Shameful, embarrassing, sad.

Liam Robinson meikle (Listener)

I think it’s wrong to take opportunities and try cut pay. Cuts off opportunities for new and upcoming artists.

Michael Steedman (Artist)

We need these shows to keep independent artists and music alive

Conor Walsh (Artist)

As an artist I aspire to be played on BBC. As the only major platform to help local musicians.

Especially the music scenes not from London.

You’re only successful if you live in London. Or you have a local BBC introducing station.

You need to keep all the platforms as possible to keep the ‘Grass roots’ growing!

Oliver Harrison (Artist)

We need the diversity that the whole of the UK provides. We all inspire each other

Louis Ord (Listener)

Up & coming artist are a must have for music. This is where the future of music lies.

Adam Forster (Music Industry)

Bbc introducing is vital for emerging artists around the country. All of the UK’s biggest artists have BBC introducing to thank for we’re they’re at, which is one of the UK’s biggest exports.
As a music producer, all of my artists find their way on the local scene through BBC introducing

Sidney Thomson (Listener)

Save BBC introducing! Young people in music deserve a platform!

Kevin Davy White (Artist)

BBC Introducing has been an essential platform for unsigned artists to get their music heard by a wider audience.

The decision to axe BBC Introducing in certain towns is a blow to the cities' music scene and the UK's music industry as a whole. BBC Introducing plays a vital role in supporting and promoting new talent. The decision to axe the show is a clear indication that the BBC is no longer committed to supporting emerging artists.

I urge the BBC to reconsider its decision. These shows are an essential part of the city's music scene and it is vital to the UK's music industry.

Hannah Robinson (Artist)

Since releasing music in the North East music scene, BBC introducing have supported me so much, they've played every single song I have submitted, featured me on episodes that promote the women in our local scene for international women's day, had me down the station to record and promote my new single and even selected me as one of their top tips for 2023. All of this is hugely important when building my music career and to hear that they could possibly be closed down is devastating.

Without BBC introducing in our region there would be no major platform that showcases the up-and-coming talent, no weekly show to listen to and take pride in our local scene and no opportunity to be given the chance to hear what could be our new favourite artist/band.

Amongst many other unsigned artists, we stand together to truly believe that without BBC introducing, there wouldn't be half as unity as there is - our local team Nick and Rebecca take the time out to listen to so many artists that deserve to be heard and without this platform, a lot of us wouldn't be where we are now!!

Keiran Bowe (Artist)

Cuts like this makes starting out as an artist, and trying to breakthrough, even more difficult. It also hampers discovering new talent. We need intro in the North East

Happy Somethings (Artist)

BBC Introducing has always been really important to us - both in terms of the potential for airplay for ourselves and the discovery of great new music. The possibility of being played on local BBC radio has always been a real motivating force for us - especially knowing that it could also lead to our music being passed on to the likes of BBC6 Music. Dean Jackson and his team have been brilliant and very encouraging to local musicians. The idea that there will now be less possibility for new music to be discovered and played because of the merging of different areas whilst keeping just 2 hours of airtime seems counter-productive. If anything, keeping all the original BBC Introducing area programmes and extending the airtime for all of them would seem much more appropriate if the BBC's aim is to support and encourage new and exciting musical development - it obviously isn't! This makes us feel disappointed and sad. Surely 'new' and 'emerging' music is the way forward...

Dave Dark and the Sharks (Artist)

The great radio is (or was) the main reason I support the License Fee. Any culling of outlets for new, unknown musicians and performers is a massively retrograde step. Introducing is one such platform, and it saddens me and many others deeply that we will not get the chance to hear many amazing acts that cannot afford the promotion afforded to the many big names. Radio 6 Music used to be such a great outlet also, but the Introducing element has also been pared down to the minimum.
I still support the license fee, as an advert free broadcast outlet is such an asset to this country, but would like to see a cap on presenter salaries, to finance the valuable services that are to be cut. Let the likes of Laura Kuensberg, Gary Lineker and even Lauren Laverne go, if they don't like this idea. There are plenty of talented unknowns that would be happy be carry out this work at for a reasonable price.

Rich Wilde (Artist)

The great radio is (or was) the main reason I support the License Fee. Any culling of outlets for new, unknown musicians and performers is a massively retrograde step. Introducing is one such platform, and it saddens me and many others deeply that we will not get the chance to hear many amazing acts that cannot afford the promotion afforded to the many big names. Radio 6 Music used to be such a great outlet also, but the Introducing element has also been pared down to the minimum.
I still support the license fee, as an advert free broadcast outlet is such an asset to this country, but would like to see a cap on presenter salaries, to finance the valuable services that are to be cut. Let the likes of Laura Kuensberg, Gary Lineker and even Lauren Laverne go, if they don't like this idea. There are plenty of talented unknowns that would be happy be carry out this work at for a reasonable price.

Ben Towill (Artist)

The amount of recorded music being produced makes this inevitable. As with social media, saturation point was passed many years ago (late 2000s) accompanied by a massive drop in quality, relevance and authenticity.

Todd Brooks (Listener)

We think it is important to Local People.

Michelle Ward (Broadcast Professional)

As a broadcaster on local community radio and a supporter of independent music the BBC needs to keep its regional Introducing shows. There are cuts to be had but not from this important area. Independent music has a hard time to be heard. The squeeze makes it so much harder to be heard. Being on BBC Introducing really means something to an artist or band. It’s giving them support, recognition and that all important nod from the BBC.

Invisible Squirrel (Artist)

If I could donate my TV license money to one cause, it would be 100% BBC INTRODUCING.
As much as you, the BBC Senior Management, would prefer our money being spent on Laura Kuensberg or Robert Peston to convince us that corrupt Tory sociopaths are normal, I’d like my money spent on the arts. Pretty much everyone else feels the same too. So how about you let Kuensberg and Peston go, and spend it on something that has a soul?

Henry Johnson (Artist)

I play guitar in the band AMOEBA (our ep single-celled orgasm is out everywhere now) and this reduces my likelihood of being picked up by BBC introducing and therefore my chance of succeeding as a musician. I have already found it difficult to access BBC introducing and contact radio DJ’s without being met with an automated response and ,while I understand the BBC has financial constraints and priorities, I find the fact it is making genuine new music from up and coming teenage musicians like myself harder to find and promote while employing people like Zoe Ball on £980,000 salaries to push the same rubbish played on radio 2 for the last 40 years indicative of the BBC’s false promises in delivering new music to the masses and supporting young musicians

John Michie (Artist)

Only going to hit working class people… I guess this is “levelling up”

Finley Teasdale (Artist)

BBC Introducing has been an amazing way for artists to get recognised or at least heard by people outside of the local music scene. The removal of BBC Introducing Leeds is frankly baffling as it is a city with a HUGE variety of different artists and music scenes with a dedicated music university and a prolific art university where many artists and musicians train and hone their craft. I feel that this is a foot on the neck of a £4B industry that will not only stifle our nations culture, but also its economy.

Luke Moore (Music Industry)

The downsizing and mothballing of large chunks of BBC Introducing's offering will be detrimental to listeners, bands and artists across all genres and parts of the UK. There are good reasons to rethink and reverse it:

1) The platform is a proven entry point to artists getting their first proper FM radio broadcast. This adds an element of credibility and it's exciting to hear new acts from your area on your regional station.

2) Radio play generates revenue (royalties) that subsidises the many costs associated with trying to get established. A single play on my local show on BBC Merseyside (thanks Dave Monks!) generated thousands of Spotify streams worth of income - every little helps.

3) The vast majority of us in the music industry pay our license fee and those of us that upload tracks and appear on air to perform or be interviewed do so for free. That's a win-win until it isn't...

4) The BBC is better than this and it must continue to do better in sustaining a proud tradition of supporting new music through broadcasting.

5) There is an important gap to fill in being a bigger part of the connective tissue of the industry. So many venues have closed, streaming income is so poor and everyone is experiencing the cost of living crisis. The BBC should be an integral part of sustaining and innovation within the music industry, not - as it feels - shirking its responsibility to its listenership.

6) The cost to sustain the current set up - and instead go further with more coverage and provision - is many decimal points less than the salaries the Beeb pays to its medium to top stars. It's a very easy win.

Ian Hedley (Artist)

Why would you even contemplate reducing such a popular and useful service that champions grass roots music and sets the BBC apart free m all others. Is this the beginning of cancelling the whole thing in the same manner that the individual artist pages were cancelled. Highly disappointing.

Maisie Cowburn-Bannister (Artist)

I’m so sad to see these cuts are going ahead. BBC Intro is arguably the only free platform that can lead to national air play. This is crucial because it is accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. Thousands of careers will undoubtedly be negatively impacted by this change, along with job insecurity for so many committed presenters. Not to mentioned that these presenters take the time to get to know a local scene, so a condensing of staffing will also have an impact too.

Pablo Lorenzo (Artist)

Disappointing to further diminish grassroots arts

Danielle Darbyshire (Artist)

I live in Sunderland and a lot of bands rely on introducing shows like this, such a shame to cut back and take away that opportunity for so many young, fresh and vibrant music!

Eleanor Fisher (Listener)

We need to save BBC introducing. Most artists have become big through such a platform, and many artists won’t have a breakthrough if they don’t have the exposure through such a widely recognised, distinguished and listened to platform.

Luke Marley (Listener)

We should not be removing vital avenues which allow artists from all towns and cities to be heard.

Jack Crabtree (Artist)

We’re a grassroots band from Leeds. We had our first plays on BBC North Yorks this year with Jericho keys and gave us the opportunity to get our track on track of the week on BBC R1 rock. Such a shame for these cuts to happen, massive set back for emerging artists as well as the presenters and others involved who support and drive this

Graham Beck (Artist)

There's going to be a big change for us here in East Yorkshire/Humberside. Merging with York & North Yorkshire creates a large area to cover. Fewer acts will have fewer chances of being played on 'local' (local??) radio. This could easily discourage musicians from submitting their music, & even stem their creative urges/ideas. It will make the goal of being broadcast appear unachievable. Less opportunities means less talent getting through. Is this what the BBC wants?
I've been very lucky, & a few of my songs have been played on Radio Humberside (& consequently, Tom Robinson's BBC6 Music shows). Merging BBC Introducing shows across various counties is a truly backward step. Yes, it will save the BBC money, but the resulting local musical output, & getting that 'foot in the door' for exposing your music to a wider audience, will definitely suffer.

Adam Willis (Artist)

BBC Introducing is such a valuable resource for bands to get their music out there, not only a great thing for artists and bands, but for listeners, I’ve discovered some brilliant artists through Introducing. These changes are daft

James Critchlow (Artist)

As an avid member of the music community, promoter, gig rep, lover of music and a person i’m a multitude of bands: I’m writing this comment in hopes of contributing to the movement of keeping bbc introducing alive. Reducing the amount of shows would drastically impact the music scene in a negative way

Lisa O'Hare (Listener)

Together with the upload programmes I have had the absolute thrill and excitement of hearing local artists platform their work in a completely unique way. We hear way more than we get via social media etc through talented presenters and interviewers talking to the artists. I know I am more likely to seek artists out live / online / streaming platforms if I hear them on here and it is a proven launch pad for so so many. I think the new centralised idea will squeeze out so many people and they will lose that opportunity to have their work encouraged. Honestly so sad at this.

james newman (Artist)

Bbc intro is a huge part of life for up and coming DJs. My self as a producer I always upload 2 tracks per month as a hope to get that “breakthrough” all producers hope for. I find the interviews are always helpful for my career on the bbc intro shows also.
I fully support everything Andrew Marsten and his team do with regards to bbc intro shows and I know many DJs who see great value in everything they do. Crazy to cut this wonderful platform for up and coming artists.
Let’s move forwards not backwards

Rebecca Scolley (Listener)

Introducing introduced (😉) me to a lot of my fav artists over the years. Don’t be daft!

james newman (Artist)

Bbc intro is a huge part of up and coming DJs. My self as a producer I always upload 2 tracks per month as a hope to get that “breakthrough” all producers hope for. I find the interviews are always helpful for my career on the bbc intro shows also.
I fully support everything Andrew Marsten and his team do with regards to bbc intro shows and I know many DJs who see great value in everything they do.

Geoff Mull (Artist)

I’m an unsigned independent unsigned artist in the North East . Newcastle Durham . Seeing shows like this cut is really sad / worrying tbh !

The world is becoming an awful place to be in many ways and it seems to be getting worse and this really needs to FLIP asap !

Susanne Larsen (Listener)

Please keep the Music flowing

Leg Puppy (Artist)

Local radio stations Play a crucial role for up-and-coming bands, as they offer a vital platform for exposure. Cutbacks on these stations not only limit artists' visibility but also give more power to corporations and bigger labels, leading to a potential monopoly on the airwaves. Supporting local radio is vital to foster a diverse and vibrant music scene.

Charlie Philp (Artist)

A necessity for up and coming bands and artists…

Bobby Denton (Artist)

BBC introducing is one of the very few ways in which new artists can potentially get recognition through an established platform the fact that now it is being reduced is crazy

Roxanne De Bastion (Artist)

I am a full time artist and would never have gained a foothold in the industry if it weren't for local BBC Introducing shows - for so many artists such as myself, I got my first radio play via Introducing - the service is free, truly democratized and essential in an industry that is so screwed against those who do not come from wealthy backgrounds

David Herd (Listener)

As a resident in the radio Humberside region I am just staggered at the stupity of the decision. They say its not about cost and is just progress is a blatant lie.

Nathan Giles (Artist)

Seeing some of hese shows being reduced down to larger areas with less of a time slot just means less chances for new music. In a country where the government seem to not value the arts as much as other areas it's a real kick in the teeth to musicians.

lauren amour (Artist)

BBC introducing is a MUST for anyone hoping to get their music heard. there are hardly any opportunities in the NE for musicians and BBC is a platform that helps that.

Adam Tarry (Artist)

Support from BBC introducing in my local area has been pivotal to me gaining the confidence to continue making music. Losing such a significant part of this network would be a massive shame and a disservice to grass roots music as a whole.

Ruchika Ganesh (Artist)

Dave Gilyeat has not spent his career supporting the musicians of Oxfordshire just to have his show merged like this. Local coverage - local acceptance - is the only reason I've managed to keep going as an artist, and it's heartbreaking to think of the number of undiscovered talents who will now never be discovered. This is not the right cost-cutting measure to make.

John Manning (Listener)

Always listen to Dave Monks on BBC Merseyside with BBC Introducing, it's a great eclectic music show celebrating the musical talents and creations of the gifted musicians on Merseyside and beyond, including Manchester and North Wales. It's the standout show on BBC Merseyside, with Dave Monks having a great handle and knowledge of local artists and bands. This show must continue as I have tuned in to listen from many parts of the world. The show is always top notch!

Daniel Walters (Artist)

It looks like these changes will result in fewer chances for artists to get their music heard. This is a huge disappointment, as supporting grassroots is something the BBC has done so well and has benefited so many huge bands today.

Anna Silvers (Artist)

When I started music I first sent my tracks into BBC Introducing Shropshire who played it live on their shows. Since then it’s been heard by other radio shows and picked up by more people.

The presenters are amazing and I have met them and had interviews with them. Without Introducing Shropshire I don’t think my music would be as popular as it is today.

I also shared whenever my songs were played on the shows and I believe this encouraged more young artists to upload their music. The talent in Shropshire is growing by the second and should be heard. New music deserves a platform like this to be heard, no matter where you come from.

Dave Strawbridge (Listener)

BBC introducing is the backbone for up and coming artists. To bin it gets rid of huge opportunities for amazing musicians who deserve to be heard.

Darren Mitchell (Artist)

Hi, i’m an artist and BBC local introducing is vital to help new acts breakthro especially nowadays, I also love to listen to new acts

John Blackburn (Listener)

No! BBC introducing contributes so much to the future of music in the UK. It has been the catalyst in many careers for a variety of creative musicians, some of which have gone on to worldwide fame. It needs to be nurtured and promoted, not cut.

John McCarthy (Listener)

Norfolk and Essex ? Seriously. These are not small places. The core value of the BBC is in supporting information and culture at regional and local levels.

Garven Dreis (Artist)

As someone who was totally ignored due to yet another system of genre "gatekeepers" the whole thing is typical of huge inflated egos in small towns, with small views and inflated self importance and to say I was disenfranchised would be an understatement. I feel sorry for those that actually got anywhere with this system of nepotism, but as the saying goes, it's not what but who you know. There's always that one guy holding all the cards in every single parochial backwater and you all know who it is in YOUR town. It has always been this way. I don't expect it to get better, I fully expect to see it get considerably worse. Good luck.

Mitchell Connolly (Artist)

BBC Introducing has always done so much for small, up and coming and local musicians. Cutting the shows down not only slashes plenty of non-artist jobs within the industry, specifically within radio, it's also a massive kick in the teeth to the artists and teams who work their arses off to do the best they can and help people try and get their music out to as many people as they can.

Billy Downey (Listener)

Bbc intro is a fundamental part for new artists to have there music heard. To remove the chance for these artists to have some radio plays just continues to make the music industry a closed shop. Only accessible to those who know someone already established or with more money than sense. Artists big or small rich or poor are simply chasing a dream. And to close this avenue would be a absolute travesty

Sam Scherdel (Artist)

As someone who has seen how hard one guys worked for a lot of years up north it’s a sad state of affairs. And probs gonna make it hella harder to get those airplays that really do have merit to upcoming bands. The BBC logo on an image/story/reel instantly gathers attention. As I say sad state of affairs.

Vickie Butler (Listener)

I'm disgusted that you think that local stations are not for local people.. You are disgusting, and I'm hope you have horrible dreams constantly......Not happy

Liz Pearson (Artist)

BBC Introducing is vital for artists as a route for feedback, local and national radio play. As an independent artist without label or management see. support it’s been a route for local and national airplay. Seemingly there is no other comparable route. The cutting of these shows is a tragedy for independent artists and music fans. So sad to see.

Chris Wright (Artist)

Such a shame because it’s great for unsigned bands to actually be heard. There’s allot of amazing talent that goes unheard this was one way of changing that

Jonny Burgess (Music Industry)

Bbc introducing is such a valuable service to aspiring artists who’s voice often goes unheard

Kate Bond (Artist)

Don’t cancel BBC INTRODUCING. It is literally the main industry the North East has. Nick Roberts has helped so many artists get heard and get onto bigger stages. Without BBC Introducing I would have never continued putting out music the way I have. The continuous support makes investing in music at the start worth something. It gives artists a structure to get heard, which is so important at the start. It’s fine to have all the musicians at the top rich or related to someone who’s helped them out but what about the talent that is lost because they don’t have that leg up? BBC introducing has always been that support, if you cancel it then you will lose a lot of talent.

NEIL MARCH (Artist)

I am actually all of the above - an artist, a listener, a music industry professional and a broadcast professional. I thought we had seen off the worst of this foolish attack on the most important network of shows bringing new talent to the attention of the nation and to the national radio programmers when this blew up previously. This demonstrates how utterly out of touch the decision makers in the government and BBC are. You want the UK to be a world leader with its creative induatries but, not content with slashing arts funding, you now want to strangle thousands of new exciting artists' careers at birth. This is the most stupid, ill-conceived decision in the history of UK Radio. Where do these over-privileged old-fashioned bigots think all the internationally successful UK music talent comes from? I am appalled beyond words. BBC bosses should be ashamed.

Rosanna McDermott (Listener)

Please save these shows which help young artists!

Glenn Maltman (Artist)

Imagine creating a noise. That noise is your complete world. It fills your heart and your mind. That noise has melodies and rhythm.
Imagine the feeling that your noise is enjoyed by others who wish to share it on to others again. BBC Introducing does that. It creates that feeling that before it's existence we could only imagine. Our noise was being sent out to connect with others. We made friends who liked our noise, we made friends who created their own new awesome noise. And we supported each other. Imagine that. It happened. It happens.
The world has places where the beautiful noise can't be shared and as such steals an artist's voice and prevents a willing audience from the chance to be moved and to discover that fresh breeze of something new.
And that's where the BBC was/is a beacon for artists. Don't turn the noise down, I beg of you. The silence it will create will only amplify the sound of the wretched scream that only a new artist unable to share their passion and hardwork, or move their music from the bedroom to the stage, can make.
The opportunity being reduced just makes the holes in the net bigger, and the fall is so unecesary. Be the net BBC and continue catch them and share them. I promise they'll do you proud.

Sheldon Barwick (Broadcast Professional)

Introducing is core to local radio and to give new music exposure.

L Lockett (Artist)

I won’t name my local BBC Intro show (but they are one of the ones speculated to merge) but I’ve spent years submitting tracks to them (for an artist I manage) and they don’t get a chance. My local show plays the same genre and artists all the time, often repeats tracks 2 - 3 times over a month whilst rejecting my tracks. So I’m hoping these changes inject a bit of fresh thinking and increase the chance of other genres getting a look in. Before you think my acts music must be bad, it’s been featured on other national radio shows, plus BBC genre specific shows and Fresh on the Net, but we aren’t “matey” with the local DJs as I know others are to get played. What’s annoying is the tracks we send are all written and produced by an artist based in the city the station is based in, yet some of the other tracks that get airplay are from acts the are based in other regions (that have their own regional intro shows) and produced abroad, thought the idea was to support local grass roots emerging music, just seems it’s importing music from afar. To much bias in the hand of local taste makers / gatekeepers. Should be more like Fresh on the Net - once featured, make room for others for a while. Looking forward to the status quo changing …

Keith A (Listener)

This cutback is yet another terrible mistake by the powers that be at the BBC.
The looming loss of truly locally produced content being inflicted upon listeners (aka license fee payers) is bad enough in itself, but any cuts to BBC Introducing is certainly rubbing salt into local radio's gaping wounds.
How are listeners going to hear music which is genuinely locally produced if shows are shared across counties?
How are we going to hear about local gigs?
How are local artists going to get a break in the industry? Where would Ed Sheeran have ended up without his career getting a fantastic boost thanks to BBC Introducing in Norfolk??
These damned cutbacks must be stopped.

Jamie Amos (Music Industry)

Having had the BBC Introducing promoting some of my artists has been fundamental to the discovery of their music and the progression of my career.

Gareth Russell (Music Industry)

It’s hard enough to get my artists songs listened to and potentially being up against more artists fighting to be heard on less stations is going to be tough.
The BBC has always been the one place that is open minded and supportive of emerging as existing artists who are wanting to better their career chances.
Artists will be left with less chances to be heard and enjoyed and the listeners will also suffer having the reduced opportunity to hear more new emerging artists. I’m all for things moving to digital but the digital world feels less open minded and more saturated with content than the radio waves.

James Price (Artist)

Cannot let these people, who are trying to help underground artists, lose their jobs

Annie Gardiner (Artist)

BBC Introducing is vital for artists that don’t have adequate label support, PR, or any other privileges in access to the infuriatingly obtuse music industry. BBC intro has always been on the ground locally as much as they can to support access for all kinds of artists. I have personally benefitted from its support, having just played the BBC a intro stage at Glastonbury at 44 years old (so it’s not just about young or emerging artists). I will never understand powers that seek to starve the arts, creativity, ingenuity and community. I just do not believe the money argument. This isn’t the first time BBC intro have faced this, nor 6Music. It’s sad, these words probably futile, but here they are anyway. BBC Intro is a good thing, in solidarity with all the have contributed and will continue regardless, that’s where it’s at. Annie Gardiner, artist and dreamer x

Simon Hart (Artist)

Absolute disgrace. Good luck to all you other off the radar musicians/bands. The final gentrification of radio starts here

GRAHAM WOODROFF (Listener)

BBC have been world leaders in breaking new artists from the days of John Peel to the more extensive coverage of BBC Introducing. This has been a vital and only platform for unsigned artists who in turn bring a great deal of revenue back into society through sales and performances, not to mention the artistic value. Not any more, shame on you BBC. You increasing role will be reduce to promoting industry backed product or the same as your commercial rivals/peers

Annie Gardiner (Artist)

BBC Introducing is vital for artists that don’t have adequate label support, PR, or any other privileges in access to the infuriatingly obtuse music industry. BBC intro has always been on the ground locally as much as they can to support access for all kinds of artists. I have personally benefitted from its support, having just played the BBC a intro stage at Glastonbury at 44 years old (so it’s not just about young or emerging artists). I will never understand powers that seek to starve the arts, creativity, ingenuity and community. I just do not believe the money argument. This isn’t the first time BBC intro have faced this, nor 6Music. It’s sad, these words probably futile, but here they are anyway. BBC Intro is a good thing, in solidarity with all the have contributed and will continue regardless, that’s where it’s at. Annie Gardiner, artist and dreamer x

GRAHAM WOODROFF (Listener)

BBC have been world leaders in breaking new artists from the days of John Peel to the more extensive coverage of BBC Introducing. This has been a vital and only platform for unsigned artists who in turn bring a great deal of revenue back into society through sales and performances, not to mention the artistic value. Not any more, shame on you BBC. You increasing role will be reduce to promoting industry backed product or the same as your commercial rivals/peers.

Abbie Crowther (Listener)

How on earth are up coming bands meant to breakthrough into the mainstream without channels to go through like these?

Andy Palmer (Artist)

I’m both a songwriter and a music venue operator the impact will be catastrophic:(

Cara Flynn (Artist)

I sent in my first ever song in 2021 (which was recorded on my phone aged 14, so I was not expecting any success), and cried with happiness when Dean Jackson actually decided to play it on the radio!! Since then I've had 9 more songs played on East Midlands radio stations, and even been interviewed by Dean 🙂 he and the whole BBC team are so lovely, as a couple of my songs have been played on Nottingham daytime shows and the presenters have made such lovely comments. It would be such a shame to limit the opportunities for other young artists like me, as I think my BBC introducing journey has been one of the best things to ever happen to me ❤️

Toby Warren (Artist)

i dont understand why we need the BBC anymore, why cant we all just start our own station, Owned by the people for the people, Surely there are enough DJ's artists etc who are willing to get behind something like this. How much money do we need to get it off the ground ? Like NTS meets Worldwide FM meets early XFM, Early London Radio, GLR

nathan newton (Artist)

Every local network bbc introducing show provides something unique in its own right representing the musical culture of the region it services. Axing/merging 12 of those will only prove to homogenise and limit opportunities even further for one of the UK’s most famous exports.

Gay Lips (Artist)

Any Hope of unsigned work class artists/bands is now gone - music industry will tighten there grip with nothing new our exciting breaking through.

Jan Whaley (Listener)

So disappointed to see this. The music scene around Hull is brilliant with small clubs and festivals including the Sesh every September. Also Wreckingball Music shop has some brilliant gigs every week. To see our area could be losing this participation is so disappointing but not surprising. It is Hull after all.

Alex Williams (Music Industry)

The north east of England already gets over looked in so many respects, to lose BBC Introducing in that region would be devastating and cause a major roadblock in the way of emerging talent reaching nationwide coverage.

Oscar Cassidy (Artist)

Reducing the output of these radio shows will decrease the opportunities for up-and-coming creatives. The motivational boost of hearing music on these shows and the sense of community it generates rarely exists outside of BBC Introducing.

Less broadcast time may lead to selection pressure to pick crowd-pleasing/ commercial sounding music, disheartening weirdos and encouraging homogenisation.

Ruth Hazel (Artist)

I'm an artist and listener. I have loved the introducing shows since I can remember. They are such a great way to hear about new talent which then encourages me to go and see them. When the music industry already devalues musicians talent and time and the venue industry is breaking, doing this will only further turn the knife. The BBC pulling support of local talent sends a message that we artists, not of huge privilege are not worth the effort. It's an incredibly disappointing move, yet another from the BBC. I'll be switching to local radio full time if you do this and I'm a daily BBC listener at the moment.

Jude Todd (Artist)

BBC Introducing Tees have supported me since I first sent them my first single back in 2018… their support is so important for local independent artists such as me as it’s a huge step to help get our music heard ! The staff have always been very kind and encouraging towards me and I am forever grateful !

Hope the situation can turn around.
All the best !
Jude

sarah statham (Artist)

I’ve been here before. Pleading on behalf of up and coming music, grassroots culture and the talent pipeline to truly reconsider re-evaluating the actual impact of Introducing platforms, those working within it and for whom it serves. Audiences, artists, culture.

The BBC is losing touch. Sort it.

Ryan Brown (Listener)

Invaluable tool for up and coming musicians

marc hampson (Listener)

I would think over the years ive listened into all 39 BBC Introducing shows with a lot of favourites that ive supported.
Very sad to see these being cut back some bands and groups could go well under the radar.
Dan Roberts BBC London 94.9
Brody Swain BBC Coventry & Warwickshire
Ellen Ellard & Tom Simkins BBC Radio Cambridge.
Lal Muttock & kerrie Coshan BBC Radio Northampton.
Dean Jackson BBC East Midlands.
Dave Gilyeat BBC Radio Oxford
Melita Dennet BBC Surrey & Sussex
Rob Adcock BBC Radio Stoke.
Marc In The Bletchley Bungalow a massive radio listener

Jack Johnson (Artist)

A vital part of the local music scene. BBC Intro has given me so much joy over the years when I’ve been played or interviewed on the show

Jonny Lindsay (Listener)

Local bands will struggle to get their first step. I often find new bands through introducing

Jack Johnson (Artist)

As an artist, BBC Introducing is a crucial step to help bridge the gap between being a local act and (hopefully) reaching further afield and becoming a more nationally known artist
BBC Introducing has helped my growth as an artist and has provided me with many moments of joy while being played and interviewed on the show

Tom A Smith (Artist)

Absolutely vital that this is not watered down in the way proposed. I get that costs cutting can help at times but this isn’t it

Andrew Van Garratt (Artist)

This is a real blow to grass roots music. For aspiring musicians and broadcasters.

A real shame.

Alyson Dono (Listener)

I listen to the show every week and it's an excellent way of hearing what's happening with my LOCAL music scene. It's so informative and a vital platform for new emerging talent that we just wouldn't know about otherwise. So many artists have gone on to do great things with the support of this show and would not have had the opportunity's they have without it. There is no way the show can cover so much content when covering such a large area. It will be largely diluted and totally lose that great personal element that makes it so unique.

Paul Taylor (Artist)

Our band Def Robot has received a lot of plays over the years from BBC Cumbria and BBC radio 6.
The shows are full of supportive, informative lovers of music that have a great ear for what’s good.

As others have said, it’s not just the radio shows. It’s live gigs, social media, podcasts…You name it. New and established artists are being supported by a large network of music lovers.

Where is the support if this all gets watered down? Do artists have to try to compete with major label artists by using their own money to attain promoters, pluggers and media coverage?

It’s a tough landscape out there and it looks like it’s becoming more mountainous. I fear the innovators may give up if they aren’t getting heard.

Elliot Johnson (Artist)

Without local BBC Introducing shows, artist's access to opportunities will be vastly decreased. Spotify now offer artists reduced royalties for more exposure in their playlists, social media platforms hide artists posts unless they pay for advertising. BBC Introducing is one of the only remaining platforms where an artist can upload for free, get played for free, and sometimes gain national exposure/festival opportunities that they deserve, for free. If that is taken away, what chance do artists have unless they have financial backing or established industry connections. Once again it's an example of closing art off to all but paying customers. The best art does not come from money, it comes from the people making it. Taking away the best platform for underground artists will be the biggest crime against the arts of this generation. Save BBC Introducing!

Julia O'Neill (Artist)

It is absolutely insane to me that these cuts have even been proposed in the first place - BBC Introducing is an extremely integral part of the industry and especially for new artists who need a platform.

My band Labyrinthine Oceans have received so much love and support from BBC Introducing NE, from Nick Roberts and Rebecca Cook, and we would not be where we are right now without this support. This I absolutely know

So many incredibly popular artists nowadays found their feet on Introducing and getting rid of some of its platform will be devastating

SAVE BBC INTRODUCING

Keith Armstrong (Music Industry)

I have taken this up with the hierarchy at BBC radio and was assured that regional support for musicians would not be undermined.
Clearly it is continuing to be eroded. While there is continued talk of levelling up, Northern powerhouses and help recognising the North East, this is clearly not the case.
Several Soul Kitchen Artists rely on the support of their North East champion just as Jake Bugg did in getting from his council estate to radio 1 via Nottingham introducing.
We are privileged, we have history and know what we’re doing but for many young musicians starting out, having a lifeline on their doorstep is the only way they can be heard.
We are totally against the erosion of local radio influence on the wider BBC. Anyone culpable in bringing about its decline should be ashamed of themselves and their short sighted motives.

Jim Eliot (Music Industry)

I think it’s an absolute appalling state of affairs that the bbc look to further reduce the support for local musicians. Again management following the reactive decision making policies are out of step and instead of innovating are playing the game of commercial radio . A sad state .