Centre thinking

The Radio Centre's submission to the BBC Trust about Putting Quality First is fairly predictable. I paraphrase: Make the BBC do the dull things, so we, commercial radio, can make money in the gaps left behind. Take all records and CDs away from BBC local radio. Even more important, make the BBC trail dull programmes, rather than maximise its ability to deliver free cross-promotion to blockbusters.

What's really disappointing is that this fails to chime with the rest of the music industry. The Radio Centre says the distinctive range of 6Music should simply be moved into the schedules of Radio 1 and Radio 2. The submission is accompanied by a report by Value Partners, consultants who have interviewed key figures in commercial radio, and apparently blended their thinking with stats. Value Partners say they are agnostic about closing 6Music - so which of the following was for and against ?

Lord Smith (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, 1997-2001)
Peter Bazalgette (TV producer and digital media investor)
Paul Gambaccini (Broadcaster)
Paul Robinson (KidsCoTV; Head of Strategy & Development, BBC Network Radio, 1994-6)
Lesley Douglas (Universal Music; Controller of Radio 2 & 6 Music, 2004-08)
Sue Farr (Chime Communications; Director of Marketing & Communications, BBC Broadcast, 1993-2000)
James Cridland (Radio Futurologist; Head of FM&T, Audio & Music, 2007-09)
Mark Oliver (O&O; Head of Strategy, BBC, 1989-95)
Andria Vidler (EMI Music; Marketing &Business Development Director, BBC Sport, 1994-2000)