The BBC have shared further details of their BBC Music vision.
At a special conference this morning (16th June), BBC Director General Tony Hall confirmed the vision for BBC Music was “about putting music right at the heart of the BBC & supporting young British talent in new & surprising ways”, and highlighting three core areas of activity:
– Emerging talent – Bringing classical music into schools, new training initiatives for young people, and breaking more new artists.
– Digital – Developing BBC Playlister and curated collections on BBC iPlayer
– Landmark programming – a renewed commitment to high-profile output, including BBC Music Awards on BBC One alongside more prime-time music on the country’s most popular TV channel
Opening today’s event, Hall added “Today’s the start of something very special for everyone who loves music. BBC Music is a celebration of the brilliant musical talent across our country. We’ll be joining up music on television, radio, iPlayer and online like never before. There’ll be new shows, new partnerships, and whole new ways to enjoy music on the BBC.”
First up, the Corporation confirmed the addition of iTunes onto their Playlist app, further cementing the BBC’s drive to deliver quality content. iTunes will join Deezer, Spotify and YouTube on the app. Meanwhile, continuing the digital focus, later in 2014 (and subject to BBC Trust approval), BBC Radio 1 will be launching a branded space within BBC iPlayer – providing a platform for audiences to enjoy the station’s distinctive content, including Live Lounge performances, regular Radio 1 features such as Innuendo Bingo, and big guest interviews.
Next, it’s time for content. For the first time ever, BBC One, Radio 1, Radio 2 and The One Show will unite for a spectacular celebration of the best in popular music from the last 12 months. Hosted by Fearne Cotton and Chris Evans, the BBC Music Awards will take place at Earls Court on Thursday 11 December. The extravaganza, the biggest musical event on the BBC since Glastonbury, will feature captivating live performances and collaborations to review and celebrate the year. Awards on the night will include British Artist of the Year, International Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. Amongst performances from the biggest and most iconic names in music, a special place will be reserved for one of BBC Introducing’s hottest talents. Radio 1, Radio 2 and The One Show will give their audiences exclusive behind the scenes access.
Meanwhile, from a BBC Introducing standpoint, the Corp announced a new partnership with the National Skills Academy; an organisation that works alongside employers to increase skills through quality training. BBC Introducing will work with academies across the country to develop the technical and production skills of the future, particularly in the live space. We will work with Academy students to produce on-air content for a range of BBC Introducing sessions and radio shows, as well as sharing the knowledge and experience of teams here at the BBC to develop different skills that are paramount to the future health of the music industry.
BBC Introducing already holds two showcases in North America where a collection of the best BBC Introducing artists are given opportunities to perform at South by South West Festival and the Americana Music Awards in Nashville. From 2014, there will be two additional music showcases in Los Angeles and New York City as a result of a new partnership BBC Introducing has formed with PRS for Music Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and emerging talent. All four showcases will be co-funded by the PRS for Music Foundation and is part of BBC Introducing’s commitment to offer the best new artists unrivalled opportunities to be seen and heard, and extending those opportunities wider than the UK and into North America.
More to follow on the exciting developments. Next week, the BBC returns to Glastonbury to bring audiences more of the music they love. On BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, Radio 1 and 1Xtra, Radio 2 and 6 Music, BBC Red Button and online, the BBC will deliver the biggest and best moments from the world’s most iconic festival to audiences across the world.
