Bacon to host BBC 6 Music election debate

Richard Bacon has been confirmed to host an hour-long themed debate on BBC 6 Music featuring representatives from the three main political parties.

Pegged around the question - 'How will the election affect the UK music industry?' - the debate will air on the digital-only station from 3pm on April 30.

Bacon will be joined in the programme by Conservative former shadow culture secretary John Whittingdale, along with Labour's tourism secretary Margaret Hodge and Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Don Foster.

They will discuss various issues facing the music business, including piracy, copyright theft, ticket touting, licensing, supporting new British talent and the impact of technology.

UK Music boss Feargal Sharkey, concert promoter Melvyn Benn and Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis will also contribute to the discussion, along with bands Doves and Reverend and the Makers.

Celebrating the debate initiative, 6 Music editor Paul Rodgers said: "The music industry is incredibly important to millions of people and 6 Music is the natural home for a debate that gets under the skin of the matters that affect both the day-to-day industry and music lovers throughout the UK."

BBC One will air the final prime ministerial debate tomorrow, with Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg responding to questioning in front of a studio audience in The Midlands.