The Greater Manchester Music Commission has said that it is ‘deeply concerned’ about plans from the BBC to cut funding for some of its specialist radio music programming. Shows including BBC Introducing would be affected by the cuts, as well as BBC Radio Manchester’s The People and Asian community show Indus.
The group, which is made up of a host of influential figures in the Manchester music scene, and reports to Andy Burnham’s Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said in a statement: “The Greater Manchester Music Commission is deeply concerned by the announcement of proposed cuts to BBC Local Radio programming in Greater Manchester, particularly the impact they will have on The People, Indus, and BBC Introducing.
“The adventurous programming, research and development undertaken by these shows plays a vital role that isn't mirrored within the BBC's national offering. Failing to provide informed specialist programming that serves African, Caribbean and Asian communities will result in a severely diminished platform for Black or Asian artists, and, distressingly, a radio landscape that in no way reflects the Greater Manchester we live in.
