Nile Rodgers backs campaign against merging of local BBC Introducing radio

nme.com:

Nile Rodgers has shared his concern about the merging of local BBC Introducing Radio, and expressed how he thinks it will negatively impact the music industry.The update shared by the musician follows an announcement made by BBC Local radio presenters back in January, in which they confirmed that there were some significant changes underway for BBC Introducing programming.The restructuring is set to see the BBC Introducing local network in England and the channel islands cut back from 32 shows to 20 – and numerous presenters and production staff out of their jobs.Now, guitarist, record producer and songwriter Rodgers has backed a campaign set against the merging of the radio stations, and highlighted how the shows are vital in supporting emerging talent and providing a platform for new artists.“Over the last few weeks, while large parts of BBC Local Radio have been on strike, it’s become clear the extent of these cuts – particularly around music,” he began, sharing a new update on his Instagram page.“@BBCintroducing is a network of 32 local programmes that support unsigned, undiscovered and under-the-radar music from each area in Britain,” he added. “Its impact on the music scene since 2007 has been enormous – not only breaking the biggest names in the music industry, but shining the spotlight on the incredible local scenes and those brilliant artists that would never want a #1 record.”A post shared by Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers)He also described the network as “a true outlet to shine a positive light on some of our most creative talent” and the upcoming change as causing both emerging talent and local music scenes to “lose out”.Elsewhere in the post, he also emphasised how “many of these people who live and breathe.