Has BBC Radio 1 lost its influence on the charts?

There was a time when Radio 1 dictated the course of the music industry. Anyone they deemed worth listening to was given a coveted spot on their A, B or C list (descending in popularity); and because it was one of the few nationwide radio stations, anything that didn't earn a spot would struggle to find much success.

It was a sad state of affairs. However, over the course of the last year, its A List (the songs they're championing the most) has turned into a not-so-reliable mish-mash of what they want us to like mixed with songs they're being forced to like because of their support felt elsewhere.

For example, today's A List consists of artists that Radio 1 probably genuinely like (Lana Del Rey, Emeli Sandé, Florence + the Machine), those they're most likely putting up with (Jessie J, David Guetta) and ones whose placing will forever remain a mystery to us (Pixie Lott, Flo Rida).

And while they play catch-up with the charts (Pixie Lott made the A List after it entered the top ten), another radio station's influence has grown tenfold in recent months. This station is Capital FM.

Since launching the national nine station Capital Network almost exactly a year ago, Capital FM's grip on the charts has steadily tightened.

The best examples we can think of are the rise of The Wanted, whose major support was initially from Capital; and more recently, Bajan band Cover Drive, who are on course to top this week's chart with their new single 'Twilight'. Not so surprisingly, both acts are managed by Global.

Whether the apparent overthrowing of Radio 1 by Capital as an indicator for the charts is a good thing remains to be seen. On the one hand, it's encouraging to see more prominence given to pop music, but judging from their current playlist, which as well as Cover Drive includes David Guetta, Katy Perry, LMFAO, Pitbull and Olly Murs, the outlook for the charts in 2012, at least for now, looks nothing if a little bleak.

Do you think that Radio 1 has lost its influence on the charts? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below: