6 Music saved by public campaign

The BBC Trust have announced that alternative digital radio station 6 Music will stay on the airwaves, following an incredible public outcry from fans of the station.

The extensive ‘Save 6 music’ campaign has demonstrated the displeasure of listeners at the proposal to axe the station since it was announced in March.

Many high profile artists, labels, journalists and other industry professionals got involved, with huge artists such as David Bowie, Radiohead and Lily Allen speaking out against the closure.

The campaign gained momentum through several organised public demonstrations outside of the BBC’s Broadcasting House and online activity, especially through social networking site Twitter. Many fans filled out the BBC Trust Strategic Review survey voicing their concerns alongside setting up online petitions and a Facebook group that gained 180,000 members.

As a result and following a consultation period, Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons issued a statement as part of initial conclusions to the strategy review proposals saying: “The Trust concludes that, as things stand, the case has not been made for the closure of 6music. The executive should draw up an overarching strategy for digital radio”.

You can read the full interim conclusions here. The Trust are offering no similar reprieve to the Asian Network, a digital station also proposed for closure alongside 6Music.

Posting on her Twitter account, 6 Music Presenter Lauren Laverne said: "6Music has been saved. Hooooorrrayyyyy!"

Speaking exclusively to The Gen, 6 Music and Radio Two presenter Stuart Maconie said: " Its proof that people can get their voice heard if they feel passionately enough about something. People love 6 Music and they know that only the BBC currently provides anything like it. They were prepared to fight for it. And someone listened”.

Although BBC management will now undertake a complete review of all digital stations, it will be difficult for them to consider closing the station following these developments.

Generate debate: Did you get involved in the Save 6 campaign? How much of a factor was social media in building the campaign? Is this a great victory for alternative music and direct action? Would you ever have anticipated that the public outcry would result in the Trust declining the closure proposal?