Scottish Artists Protest BBC Radio Shake-Up

A significant number of musicians, including members of Franz Ferdinand and Del Amitri, have voiced strong opposition to upcoming alterations in BBC Radio Scotland's late-night schedule. The BBC intends to replace four existing shows with a new program, 'Up Late,' featuring a blend of classic hits and mainstream tracks, which they state will maintain a Scottish influence. However, artists contend that this change will diminish vital opportunities for Scottish musicians.

The open letter, signed by dozens of artists and industry professionals, highlights the critical role of current late-night DJs in discovering and promoting new music. They argue that personalized selections and on-air mentions by trusted presenters are essential for launching artists' careers. The signatories are urging the BBC to halt the implementation of these changes to allow for thorough consultation with Scotland's music community.

BBC Radio Scotland stated that schedule changes are normal in a competitive market and that they remain committed to showcasing Scottish talent across their programming, with half of their music hours dedicated to specialist content. However, organizers of the protest claim the new show's tender specified a focus on "more mainstream, easy-listening tracks," diverging from the current format's artist development focus.