Today, I heard from Angus Robertson, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (and musician). He told me he was asked a question about BBC Scotland proposals at a Scottish Parliament committee by Clare Adamson, MSP, the convener of the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Committee, and responded, “how much I hoped still to hear jazz and bagpipe music on BBC Scotland.”
The issues at stake were highlighted in an open letter to Angus Robertson last week. The co-signers of that letter and the entire Scottish musical community remain extremely concerned about the state of affairs. We are active in the campaign to reverse this terrible decision.
A point that has yet to surface in this debate is the BBC's statutory commitment to provide:
1.33.1 in relation to the mix of different genres and output, the BBC should ensure that a range of programming is provided across its television services. It should also secure the amount and prominence of those genres identified as at risk or in decline across public service broadcasting, including: music, arts, religion, comedy and children's programming. On its radio services, the BBC should ensure its portfolio of stations offer the broadest variety of output and that the range of musical output on its popular radio services is broader than that of comparable providers;
2.82.3 Content and music of particular relevance to Scotland
Under the current Operating licence for the BBC's UK Public
Services:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/237778/bbc-operating-licence-may-22.pdf
The BBC's decision to cut jazz, classical and piping programming will vastly reduce how the BBC represents and platform some of Scotland's most dynamic and emerging music scenes. Moreover, it would, in all likelihood, contravene this commitment.
Fiona Hyslop, MSP, former Culture Secretary, said, “I recall some time back securing responsibility in BBC Charter renewal for the BBC to have a role/responsibility to contribute to creative industries development in Scotland not just use talent as content - these plans cut right [through] this.”
Pete Wishart, MP, chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee (and musician), has said, “This is a dreadful decision from the BBC. This type of specialist programming sustains the smaller musical genres and gives them an opportunity to develop. I really hope they reconsider.”
Letters, sent out today by Chris Hodgkins (musician and former director of Jazz Services), have gone out to Alison Thewliss, SNP MSP, Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Home Affairs) vice-chair of the Parliamentary Jazz Group, John Spellar MP, co-chair, asking them to table or ask a question in the House of Commons. I later talked to Alison on the telephone today, and she has given us our full support.
Other steps are brewing in this activism, but more emails were sent to generate cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament, as the only way for BBC Scotland to take the issue seriously is by asking a question in parliament of action undertaken by the government or by proposing a motion in the Scottish Parliament.
Upward spiral, and many thanks for all your support,
Tommy
Here are some online papers that have published our story and activism.
JAZZWISE
BRUSSELS MORNING
Revolt grows over BBC Scotland decision to drop classical and jazz
Tuesday, January 17, 2023. No Result . View All Result
brusselsmorning.com
Open letter from Scottish culture professionals on BBC Radio Scotland's decision to scrap 'crucial' music programmes - UK Daily News
“The impact of these cuts will be devastating for Scotland's classical, jazz and piping scenes."
ukdaily.news
Open Letter from Scottish cultural figures about BBC Radio Scotland’s decision to axe ‘crucial’ music programmes – London Jazz News
“The effect of these cuts will be devastating for Scotland’s classical, jazz and piping scenes.“ Tommy Smith has co-ordinated an open letter from a high-profile list of cultural figures in Scotland, including violinist/ Director of the Edinburgh Festival Nicola Benedetti, composer Sir James MacMillan, Director of Scottish Opera Alex Reedijk, poet Kathleen Jamie, and from the jazz world ...
londonjazznews.com
THE EDINBURGH REPORTER
Tommy Smith heads petition to save BBC Scotland programmes from being axed | The Edinburgh Reporter
Tommy Smith PHOTO Derek Clark PETITION. Smith has begun a petition here which has already been signed by more than 4,000 people who do not want the programming cuts to be made.. Illustrated with a ...
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
BEBOP SPOKEN HERE
SCOTTISH OPERA
SCOTTISH OPERA SUPPORTS PETITION TO REVERSE AXING OF BBC MUSIC PROGRAMMES
Everyone at Scottish Opera is dismayed by BBC Radio Scotland's decision to axe Classics Unwrapped and Jazz Nights, and reduce traditional piping music shows. We stand in solidarity with those across the musical community, who are petitioning to reverse this decision.
www.scottishopera.org.uk
THE STORNOWAY GAZETTE
https://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/business/pipers-band-together-to-lament-programme-cuts-3995153
THE SCOTSMAN
Celtic Connections chief and performers condemn BBC Scotland over music programme cuts
The figurehead of Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival and leading acts appearing at the event have joined the growing chorus of criticism of BBC Scotland over cuts to its specialist music ...
www.scotsman.com
SCOTTISH DAILY EXPRESS
BBC Scotland blasted for cutting jazz and classical music from its schedules - Scottish Daily Express
Georgia Cecile. Mr Smith said: “Now is the time to expand jazz on Radio Scotland, not cut its head off and make invisible a music which is flourishing in Scotland. "Why now, when we have so many remarkable young jazz artists from the Royal Conservatoire, emerging musicians who require an outlet for their music.
www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk
REVIEWSHPERE
Scotland's JAZZ culture thinned...? • reviewsphere
Leading musician finds BBC Radio Scotland’s programme cull “puzzling” Saxophonist Tommy Smith has spoken out against BBC Radio Scotland’s plans to axe its Sunday evening Jazz Nights programme as part of a series of cuts that will also affect classical and traditional music.. Smith, the founder-director of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and head of jazz at the Royal Conservatoire ...
www.reviewsphere.org
THE NATIONAL
Scottish jazz musicians in fight to save BBC Radio Scotland show
A SCOTTISH jazz musician has launched a petition in order to save Jazz Nights from being axed by BBC Radio Scotland. The broadcaster confirmed to The National that it would be making changes to its programming “in response to there being a licence fee freeze and to refocus some of our efforts ...
www.thenational.scot
THE SCOTSMAN
THE TIMES
Nicola Benedetti raises sour note as BBC Scotland cuts classical and jazz shows | Scotland | The Times
Figures from the music world are campaigning for BBC Radio Scotland to reverse its decision to cut long-running jazz, classical and traditional music programme
www.thetimes.co.uk
THE HERALD
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23256169.row-erupts-bbc-scotland-plan-axe-music-programmes/
Row erupts over BBC Scotland plan to axe music programmes
Leading Scots musicians have condemned BBC Scotland's decision to axe key programmes covering and promoting jazz, classical and traditional music. In an open letter co-ordinated by Tommy Smith ...
www.heraldscotland.com
THE MU
MU Signs Letter to Cabinet Secretary Over Music Cuts at BBC Radio Scotland | The MU - musiciansunion.org.uk
Photo: Shutterstock. The MU has signed a joint letter to Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture at the Scottish Parliament, to urge him to intervene over BBC Radio Scotland’s plans to axe some key music programmes.
musiciansunion.org.uk
MSN
Nicola Benedetti attacks 'heart-breaking' cuts to BBC Scotland's music programmes - msn.com
New Edinburgh International Festival director Nicola Benedetti has urged BBC Scotland to rethink “heart-breaking” cuts to its music programming.
www.msn.com
CLASSICAL MUSIC UK
Petition launched to prevent axing of Classics Unwrapped
Sir James MacMillan launches petition to prevent axing of Classics Unwrapped Florence Lockheart Thursday, January 12, 2023 The composer started the petition in response to BBC Scotland’s announcement of plans to remove the music show from its schedule.
www.classical-music.uk
Pipeline and Crunluath programs threatened with budget axe by BBC Scotland – pipes|drums
Pipeline and Crunluath programs threatened with budget axe by BBC Scotland. BBC Radio Scotland’s weekly Pipeline and Crunluath programs are under imminent threat of elimination due to draconian cuts, and top-flight solo piper and music academic Simon McKerrell is spearheading an international petition in the hope of saving them.
www.pipesdrums.com
THE SCOTSMAN
Musical heritage warning over BBC Scotland plans to drop long-running piping show | The Scotsman
More than 14,000 supporters have now backed three separate online petitions calling for a rethink over plans to wind up the long-running shows Pipeline, Classics Unwrapped and Jazz Nights.
www.scotsman.com
UK FINANCE
Row erupts over BBC Scotland plan to axe music programmes
Among the signatories to the open letter are world-famous violinist and incoming director of the Edinburgh International Festival Nicola Benedetti
uk.finance.yahoo.com
THE JAZZ MANN
https://www.thejazzmann.com/news/article