5.09.2015: UK Music and its members have launched the #LetItBeeb campaign in support of BBC Music and for the vital services it offers our diverse and complex musical ecosystem in the UK today.

There is a direct threat to the BBC during this Charter renewal process. As an industry, and as a community we have come together to show our support for it at this time. Next year the Government will publish its White Paper on reforms to the BBC. This will define and map out the future direction, funding and objectives for the corporation for the next ten years (2017-2027).

It is essential that music continues to help define the BBC’s acclaimed and Award-winning output and shape its global identity. The BBC itself has made significant steps in recent years to place music at the heart of its broadcast services, alongside news and sport. This must not now be diminished.

By coming together centrally through UK Music, the music industry will deliver a strong and effective argument. Music services MUST be maintained. Without these services there would be far reaching cultural and economic implications for the UK. Any cuts to BBC Music services would negatively impact on the UK’s much celebrated soft power and would harm our position as a world leader in music export.

It is key that our united campaign reflects the diversity and unique depth in BBC Music coverage and reach, and that we recognise the importance of all its vital programming strands. Whether that is from Radio 1, 2 and 3, 6Music, 1Xtra, The Proms, BBC Introducing, the BBC Orchestras, live music coverage, the Asian Network, original music commissions, music documentaries or its other areas that support music both culturally and commercially.

Named with the blessing and support of Sir Paul McCartney, the goal of #LetItBeeb is to convince decision makers that diminishing any BBC music services would not be in the public’s interest. We want to ensure the publication of the White Paper next year recommends no changes to the distinct identities of the BBC’s music services.

Artists, composers and songwriters, producers, performers, industry and music fans alike are uniting behind this campaign to give this issue the voice it deserves. We must remind policy makers and government just how important BBC music services are, before it is too late.

Music plays an integral part in all our lives, both professionally and personally. It is impossible to imagine anyone in this country not connected with music in some way through the BBC. Peel Sessions, Top Of The Pops, The Official Charts, Live Lounge, Desert Island Discs, The Proms, Essential Mix, Glastonbury and Later…just a few of the ways that the BBC has helped define music in our lifetimes.

The recently published Green Paper raised specific questions about the corporation’s services and offering. The role and scope of the BBC’s radio output is expected to come under particular scrutiny. At worst, this could result in channels being streamlined or even merged/closed leading to a significantly reduced music offering on the BBC. This on top of already diminished opportunities for music on TV would cause wide and lasting damage to choices available to British people, the music community and culture of the UK.

The BBC’s activity impacts on every musician and every music business professional. It employs our songwriters, artists and composers to help bring its programmes to life. It uses music as a key narrative tool for iconic shows as diverse as Doctor Who, Match of The Day, Planet Earth or EastEnders.

It supports many of the UK’s musicians, orchestras and performers and also showcases the power of live music through its coverage of the Proms, Glastonbury, sessions and other live events.

BBC Introducing has created a platform for grass roots local music to reach the masses, which for many artists can provide a vital first step onto the ladder. Jake Bugg, Florence & The Machine and George Ezra are just a few of the artists to have received early support from the strand that have gone on to global success.

It is vital that the BBC continues to gives its audience direct choice and access to a unique diversity of music, songs and performances to match their own personal inclination, whether that is pop, rock, jazz, blues, classical, grime or techno.

The envy of music markets the world over, BBC Music offers an important window for British music to connect and resonate into the unknown.

The role of Parliament is to act in the best interests of the public they represent. The case for BBC music and the music services the BBC provides could not be clearer. Please help support the campaign by signing our Government petition at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/106091

Join the likes of Muse, Sam Smith, Coldplay, Annie Lennox, Paloma Faith, George Ezra, Brian Eno, Judith Weir CBE, Sting, New Order, Birdy, David Arnold, 5SOS, Andreya Triana, Chase & Status, Disclosure, Jessie Ware, Boy George, Chrissie Hynde, James Bay, Naughty Boy, Nicola Benedetti, Years & Years, Kaiser Chiefs, Nick Mason (Pink Floyd) in supporting #LetItBeeb. Tell us what the BBC means to you personally and share your experiences and memories of music on the beeb. Join our campaign at: http://www.letitbeeb.co.uk