UK music figures urge government to protect BBC funding through new campaign
UK Music has launched the Our BBC: Our Music campaign to defend the broadcaster’s public funding as its charter review proceeds. MPs, artists and industry representatives spoke in Parliament about the BBC’s role in supporting emerging acts and less-served genres. BBC music director Lorna Clarke noted the sector’s £8billion economic contribution and cited Radio 1’s Big Weekend as an example of local economic impact.
UK Music’s new push, Our BBC: Our Music, was introduced at a Westminster event convened by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Music. It coincides with a two-year Royal Charter Review examining how the broadcaster is funded before a charter due in 2027, while the BBC has already reduced staff by 10 per cent.
At the launch, BBC music director Lorna Clarke said British music adds £8bn to the economy and supports 220,000 jobs. She cited Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee and Scotland as generating £3.7m in measured growth, and noted Radio 2’s independent commissions rose from 22 per cent to 42 per cent in under a decade.
The campaign may shape how audiences, artists and local communities view the BBC’s music role as charter talks proceed. If funding is protected, emerging acts and less-served genres could retain national exposure and regional events might continue to bring visitor spending. If pressure continues, smaller artists and listeners outside major cities may feel the effects first, though the outcome depends on decisions yet to be made.