Lamacq speaks out over 6 Music plan (From Hereford Times)

Lamacq speaks out over 6 Music plan

3:54pm Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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BBC 6 Music DJ Steve Lamacq has claimed the threatened station is being sacrificed merely as a "public flogging" to satisfy BBC critics.

The presenter, one of the digital service's best-known names, broke his silence to say he is still none the wiser over the reason 6 Music is facing the chop.

In a blog the host, renowned for championing up and coming bands, said the axing would be "disastrous for the British music scene".

The station faces the scrap as part of a strategic review which would see the money refocused elsewhere. This would see £9 million saved to fund other digital output.

But Lamacq claimed the arguments for closure "don't all stack up".

"One argument is that the BBC should be allowing space in the 'market' for commercial stations to operate. But what commercial outfit is ever going to replicate 6 Music?"

He pointed out that BBC audio and music director Tim Davie had said nine stand-alone stations was too many, but Lamacq said he was convinced this was "sleight of hand".

"I think what he means is there's 'too many brands' and losing a couple will make it easier to market what they have left - while also putting on a show for people who are demanding the BBC's blood. We are a radio station up for a public flogging."

Meanwhile artists including Joe Lean And The Jing Jang Jong are to take part in a concert in north London to campaign against the station's threatened closure.

The event, by the Save 6 Music campaign, will take place at Proud Camden on Wednesday.