BBC 6 Music 'could become Radio 2 Extra'

Troubled digital radio station BBC 6 Music could be revived as Radio 2 Extra, senior sources at the corporation have revealed.

Following a high-profile campaign to save the station, BBC insiders claim that its playlist and DJ lineup could be saved and rebranded as a spinoff to Radio 2. However, a BBC spokesman said that the idea is merely "speculation".

Last month, BBC director general Mark Thompson's strategy review confirmed the proposed closure of 6 Music, which costs around £9 million a year to run and has a weekly reach of 695,000 listeners.

The axe for 6 Music and fellow digital station the Asian Network is designed to give more room for commercial rivals targeting the key 18-34 listener demographic.

However, around 1,000 fans demonstrated against the closure of 6 Music outside BBC Broadcasting house last month and the corporation has received over 8,000 direct complaints about the move.

The axe of 6 Music has also led to widespread outcry across the creative industries, with broadcasters, industry bodies and musicians all calling for the station to be kept in operation.

Thompson's strategy review is currently under public consultation at the BBC Trust, with the governing body's chairman Sir Michael Lyons recently indicating that a significant backlash could result in a U-turn on 6 Music's closure.

Last week, the station celebrated receiving seven nominations at the Sony Radio Awards, including 'Music Broadcaster of the Year', 'Best Music Programme' and 'Best Music Station Personality' for DJ Lauren Laverne.