Hope for BBC6 Music as Trust gives station a lifeline

The BBC Trust has rejected the BBC's plans to close the digital radio station 6 Music, according to the BBC website today. The Trust will today say that 6 Music should stay on the air pending a broader review of the BBC’s digital radio activities. Let us know what you think in the World of Music forum now [thanks mc_squared]

In a statement, the Trust said: "The Trust concludes that, as things stand, the case has not been made for the closure of 6 Music. The Executive should draw up an overarching strategy for digital radio. If the director general wanted to propose a different shape for the BBC's music radio stations as part of a new strategy, the trust would consider it."

Musicians including David Bowie, Lily Allen, Damon Albarn and Coldplay lent their support to 6 Music when its closure was tabled. At the time, Coldplay said: "We are fully behind the campaign to save the incredible 6 Music radio station, which the BBC has announced plans to close. Please show your support by emailing the BBC Trust. If enough of us do that, the BBC Trust may yet refuse to approve the closure of the station, which plays a crucial and unique role in the British music scene. Thank you, Coldplay."

In his initial response to the BBC strategy review, BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons said that the case for the closure of 6 Music had not been made. He said the Trust - which represents the interests of licence fee payers - would consider closing 6 Music only as part of a wider strategy on the future of digital radio.

Fans launched their protests via online social networks, including Facebook and Twitter, and insiders said the Trust was “overwhelmed” by the public response. An unnamed BBC 6 presenter said: “There is a feeling that they will not kill us straight off.”

Last week Jarvis Cocker, the 6 Music DJ, said that the BBC Trust should come to a firm decision on the station’s future straight away. “You’ve had such a lot of people speaking out, you should stick to your timetable and give an answer,” he said. “It is not nice to have the Sword of Damocles hanging over the head of the people who work there.”