The BBC Closes Asian Network Radio Station

Sad news for all the Urban Desi and Bhangra fans out there; the BBC Asian Network radio station is officially closing its doors. After months of negotiations - and despite numerous petitions to save the network, executives at the BBC Trust have decided to shut down the radio station due to 'poor performance.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/

The BBC Trust's review, which was published on July 5, stated "We acknowledge the Asian Network is performing poorly," adding "We would consider a formal proposal from the BBC to close it but would need to be convinced that any alternative proposed would be a clear improvement in terms of overall public value for British Asian audiences. A key theme that emerges is that of how Asian Network nurtures the idea of being a British Asian - rather than just a member of a local community - as well as recognizing the diversity within British Asian communities."

The network, whose audience consists mainly of the South Asian diaspora in the U.K., was one of the many platforms that have supported up-and-coming artists like Tigerstyle and global names like Jay Sean, but despite its popularity in the community it faced stiff competition from several private multi-media outlets.

According to British newspaper This Is Leicestershire "The Asian Network peaked with about 535,000 listeners a week in 2004. The [BBC Trust's] review said the number was about 300,000 in 2009." With plummeting numbers like these, there was no way of rescuing the radio station, even though artists did their best to save it by signing petitions and writing formal letters asking the BBC to continue to support the movement.

It was great to see that the BBC embraced Desi culture and acknowledged the importance of the community in the U.K. and it is a shame that the network is closing. But this doesn't have to be the end for Urban Desi music and Bhangra beats on the BBC! The Trust is currently planning on replacing the BBC Asian Network with several local stations that will target the Desi audience.

Are you sad to see the BBC Asian Network radio station go? Drop us a line.

Source: The BBC Closes Asian Network Radio Station http://bit.ly/cheFoW

(Yimber Gaviria, Colombia)