shortWWWave

The BBC will close digital radio stations 6Music and the Asian network, in an effort to reduce its size and not compete with commercial rivals, according to a report in the Times today.

Already a 65000 person strong Facebook group opposed to the closure of 6Music has emerged, and messages on Twitter have been running hot all day. There is also an online petition and Labour MP Tom Watson has drafted a motion to be tabled in parliament.

Not content with sitting by and watch the BBC throw away a unique station, shortWWWave has launched its own Save 6Music website.

Melbourne will get a new talkback radio station in 2010, when 3MP drops its long held easy music format. Targeted to go head-to-head with market leader 3AW, and to a lesser extent, the considerably more moderate 774 from the ABC, 3MP will hire the high-profile Steve Price from Sydney's 2UE as program director and breakfast announcer, along with the conservative Herald-Sun writer, Andrew Bolt.

The end result, however, may simply be to split 3AW's audience, and leave the ABC's 774 Melbourne at the top of the ratings.