aaamusic | On 05, Jul 2010

The BBC Trust has opted to save BBC 6Music from closure, following an initial investigation into the digital future of the corporation.

BBC Trust Chairman Sir Michael Lyons set out the first findings of the Trust’s Strategy Review today (July 5), available to view at BBC.co.uk. The report’s conclusions at present say that 6Music’s future is assured, although it adds that if the BBC’s stance on digital radio was to change, then further reappraisal could be still be sought.

“The Trust concludes that, as things stand, the case has not been made for the closure of 6Music. The Executive should draw up an overarching strategy for digital radio,” they wrote. “If the Director General wanted to propose a different shape for the BBC’s music radio stations as part of a new strategy, the Trust would consider it.”

However, the fate of the Asian Network still hangs in the balance, according to the report.

It states: “The Trust would consider a formal proposal for the closure of the Asian Network, although this must include a proposition for meeting the needs of the station’s audience in different ways.”

The interim conclusions will be followed by a final report to be published by the Trust in the autumn.

Both stations were initially threatened with closure in March.