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Established in 2007, BBC Introducing started as a radio programme for up-and-coming grassroots emerging artists. BBC Introducing, which helped launch the careers of artists such as Little Simz, Ed Sheeran, and Florence and the Machine, has now proposed cuts to its local radio stations with claims that 32 of its presenters have been put on notice of redundancy. In the hopes that the BBC will halt its plans, local presenters have urged people to share their stories of how vital BBC Introducing has been helping local artists get recognition and support while entering the music industry.  

Role of BBC Introducing 

BBC Introducing has played a crucial role in giving aspiring musicians the chance to be played on one of 39 local BBC radio stations. It works by offering emerging artists the opportunity to submit tracks to be played on an online platform to gain exposure, with the potential to have their music played on local BBC Introducing stations and even BBC national radio. Without it, new and emerging artists would continue to face obstacles to entering the music industry, especially those in counties far from buzzing music centres like London and Manchester. The news comes after last year, Leeds-based DJ and producer Nia Archives was named the first electronic artist to earn the title of ‘BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year’ since the programme's launch. This just goes to show the impact the programme has made across the industry.  

It was only in November of last year that the UK Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee hosted a session to put the spotlight on BBC’s cuts to local radio stations. Even around the same time, there were mounting concerns in the music community regarding potential cuts to BBC Music Introducing.  

Redundancy in the music industry  

Protecting music is vital for those in the industry and jobs in the industry should be owed protection to ensure the survival of the creative arts sector. But what exactly is redundancy and how does it affect the music industry? Redundancy is a form of dismissal that can be voluntary or involuntary. Typically, this happens when an employer seeks to reduce the size of its workforce. In the music industry, these cuts come at a time when the BBC aims to boost its online content including by expanding local news to online content. This is to acknowledge listeners changing habits with the intention to reach more listeners. However, the changes at the BBC are also partly to save money since it had its licence fee funding frozen.  

Employment law 

The definition of ‘redundancy’ can be found within section 139 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, under which the employer would demonstrate the need for fewer employees to carry out work of a particular kind. Some of the key legal principles surrounding redundancy originate from the case of Williams v Compair Maxam Ltd [1] [1982] CR 156, which provides that the selection criteria to invoke redundancy are chosen and fairly applied and consultation takes place with the relevant employees. 

Although these redundancy cuts are being proposed, it highlights a shift towards a new era for the music radio industry to strengthen its digital services. What we can’t forget is that BBC Introducing offers aspiring musicians an opportunity that no other broadcaster can. For now, we’ll await to hear how many regional shows are here to stay.