BBC director: '6 Music should be closed'

BBC audio and music director Tim Davie has said that he is backing proposals to close BBC 6 Music.

The digital radio station was confirmed last week to be scrapped along with Asian Network as early as 2011 in a wide-reaching overhaul of the corporation's output.

In a blog post on the BBC website, Davie affirmed that while he is "passionate" about 6 Music, he agrees with plans to "strengthen and simplify" the scope of the BBC's radio broadcasting.

"I do not believe that offering the current range of nine standalone digital networks is the right way to serve audiences and ensure radio remains strong in a digital world," he said.

"And, while digital radio has seen growth, my concern is that current development remains slow. So we are proposing to reduce the number of stations and reinvest in our five core networks."

Davie added: "I know that there is real sadness that we are losing valued services, but this is part of a strategy to ensure BBC Radio continues to be as relevant and popular as ever in the digital world."

The announcement to axe 6 Music has led to widespread outcry across the UK music industry, with broadcasters, industry bodies, musicians and listeners all calling for the station to be saved.