BBC 6 Music - Launch

Hailed as ‘the first new BBC music service for 32 years, BBC 6 Music launched in March 2002. Devised as ‘Network Y’, unlike all other BBC music services, it is only broadcast digitally.

Famously, this was the station which was destined to die. The BBC had mooted closure in March 2010, so that it could save some of its £11m running costs, but the decision was later reversed after a huge outcry. In July 2010, in the initial response to the BBC strategy review, BBC Trust chairman, Sir Michael Lyons said that the case for the closure of 6 Music ‘had not been made’.

It turned out to be the biggest positive PR campaign any station could ever enjoy, raising awareness from 20% to, presumably, levels approaching those of the other BBC national services. In a tide of sympathy, its distinctive programming was rewarded too with buckets of awards. If commercial stations did not have to worry about advertiser uncertainty, many would have played the same card long ago.