"PART-TIME" RADIO COULD REPLACE BBC ASIAN NETWORK

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

"Part-time" radio could replace BBC Asian Network

The BBC's Asian Network could be replaced by five part-time medium wave local stations after its planned shutdown in 2011.

The decision to scrap the station has been heavily criticised by employees, musicians and politicians from Leicester, where it started in 1996.

BBC director-general Mark Thompson this week confirmed that the station and 6 Music were facing closure.

Much of the Asian Network's news team is based at BBC Radio Leicester, in St Nicholas Circle. Gujurati and Hindi-language evening shows are broadcast from there three days a week. The rest of the output is transmitted from Birmingham and London.

Employees say they have been told not to comment on the matter by the BBC's press office.

When asked, a spokeswoman was unable to say what the announcement would mean for workers.

The BBC's review wants money and resources currently invested in the Asian Network to be "released to service audiences better in other ways".

One option suggested is to "replace it with a network of five part-time local services with some syndicated national Asian programmes".

These would be available on local digital radio medium wave, serving areas with the largest British Asian communities.

The review also says the station has suffered from a 20% drop in listeners over the past three years and has become one of the most expensive in terms of how much is spent on programming per listener.

A number of online petitions have been set up to try to save the network.

One employee, who asked not to be named, said there was about 30 staff working in Leicester. He added: "It has a devoted following, not just in Leicester but all over the UK, and over the last five years or so there has been a real drive to improve and strengthen output.

"Everyone who listens says it is stronger than ever, which makes it difficult for people to take.

"Asian musicians are now thinking about whether they'll ever have commercial success.

"They're not being played by anyone else and we're the only ones giving them an opportunity to be heard. Where else is this music going to be played?"

Tjinder Singh, lead singer of Leicester band Cornershop, who had a number one hit in the 1990s with Brimful of Asha, said: "It's a blow. The station is still young and finding its feet. I don't think it settled down properly and had some great parts to it. It will be sad to see it go."

Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East, said he was extremely concerned by the BBC's plans.

He said: "Leicester should rightly be proud of the creation of BBC Asian Network, it has contributed so much to the Asian communities in the UK.

"It is my belief that the BBC has a responsibility to give a platform to minority interests and to reach wider audiences such as the Asian community."

Union leaders, who have condemned the plans, meet Mr Thompson on Wednesday and warned strike action is likely.