6 Music Closure Rejected By BBC Trust

The BBC Trust has rejected plans to close down digital radio station 6 Music aftr the station had been targeted for the axe in March, as part of the BBC Strategy Review.

However, in his response to the review, BBC Trust Chairman Sir Michael Lyons said that the case had not been made for the closure of 6 Music.

The news will be welcomed by the station's fans. A high-profile campaign to save 6 Music was launched following the publication of the review, which attracted the attention of major music stars such as David Bowie, Lily Allen and Coldplay.

However, the future of the Asian Network, another digital music station which was facing closure, remains in doubt. In today's statement, Sir Michael said: "The Trust would consider a formal proposal for the closure of the Asian Network, although this must include a proposition for meeting the needs of the station's audience in different ways."

The Trust also approved plans to cut 25% of the online budget, as well as the plans to close Blast!, a multimedia project aimed at teenagers.

Commenting on the Strategy Review, Sir Michael said: "The Director-General presented us with a thoughtful set of proposals earlier this year in support of a clear future vision for the BBC - a vision the Trust supports because it is rooted in the BBC's enduring mission to inform, educate and entertain audiences with programmes and services of high quality, originality and value.

"In order to deliver that vision we have concluded that the BBC must accelerate changes to its behaviour, leading to a clearer definition of the boundaries within which it operates as it makes the transition to the digital future.

"The end result will be a BBC that focuses on its two main obligations to the public - to provide distinctive public service content and to use their money wisely."

(KMcA/BMcC)