Today is a dark day for music lovers and fans of intelligent music radio everywhere. The BBC’s director general Mark Thompson has confirmed plans to axe BBC 6 music. It’s not been given final approval but it looks bad, very bad. I had heard the rumours but didn’t want to believe it. Sticking my fingers in my ears and singing la la la to myself stopped me from actually considering the gravitas of what it would mean to lose my favourite radio station. I can no longer bathe in blissful ignorance and soothe my soul by turning the volume up on the Lauren Laverne show. I can no longer deny that me, Lauren and the rest of my favourite faithful friends on BBC 6 Music are on borrowed time. It was less of a dawning of realization more of a brutal burst of my bubble. Like an unexpected puncture or a slap round the face. I know I won’t be the only listener feeling like this and we won’t let it happen without a bloody (probably not literal bloodshed, although…) good fight. People who care passionately about music care passionately about BBC 6 music. What other station caters for the music enthusiast as eloquently and stylishly as 6 music. 
plays the best music; a mature yet alternative mix of, classic, underground, independent obscure and cutting edge sounds presented by intelligent adults with knowledge, wit, style and passion. I’ve been listening to it as I’ve been writing this and Steve Lamacq has played tracks from Broken Bells, Flowered Up, Mumford and Sons and Delphic and now ACDC- where else? I ask you. For me it represents quality programming that effortlessly combines culture and entertainment with educational value (for music geeks like me anyway). That’s why I pay my license fee. As the anger subsides and a tear rolls down my cheek, I salute you Mr Lamacq sir, and all the presenters on 6 Music, you are an inspiration to me.
On a happier note, last weekend was Glos-Tone-Beret. The annual fundraiser for Tone Radio, the student radio station at The University of Gloucestershire. It took the format of eight bands on stage as students of Radio, Film, TV and Media broadcast live from the event. And everyone was dressed in highly stereotypical French get up, stripy T-shirts, false moustaches and berets -sacre bleu!
My colleagues Zoe, Jack and myself opened the live radio coverage with an interview with Cheltenham’s best band Thrill Collins. It was tres bien!
