BBC Radio 6 Music plans to launch a new brand extension, which will be available to stream 24 hours a day on BBC Sounds.
It follows the launch of BBC Radio 3 and Radio 1 brand extensions on BBC Sounds and DAB+.
The retro-themed 6 Music spin-off will be dedicated to indie rock and pop from the 1980s to the 2010s. It will feature an extensive range of nostalgic tracks – from the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, Oasis, Pulp, The 1975, The Killers, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, The Strokes, The xx and Wolf Alice – with UK artists making up 70% of the playlist.
In terms of supporting frontline releases, it will include new programming that will platform emerging British artists, as well as highlighting independent venues and the UK’s regional music scenes.
In addition to some new programming, the stream will include historic interviews and live sessions from the BBC archive.
This extension aims to honour 6 Music’s beginnings and apply the station’s curious spirit and storytelling strength to a sound and scene that is loved by so many
Samantha Moy
There will also be music mixes to match listeners’ moods, as well as a chance to revisit indie-focused playlists previously broadcast on 6 Music. A simulcast of 6 Music’s flagship indie music show, Indie Forever (Fridays 9-11pm), will go out on the stream.
Samantha Moy, head of BBC Radio 6 Music, said: “Since its launch in 2002, 6 Music has evolved significantly to embrace and champion a wide range of alternative music genres. This extension aims to honour 6 Music’s beginnings and apply the station’s curious spirit and storytelling strength to a sound and scene that is loved by so many.”
The launch of the stream on the BBC Sounds app, web and smart speaker is planned for summer this year. It is subject to a regulatory process, which is underway.
It will also provide new commissioning opportunities for the UK radio production sector, in line with the BBC’s commitment to supporting creative industries across the country.
A spokesperson for Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio, said: “We are currently engaging in the regulatory process regarding a proposed new BBC 6 Music service. This process has not yet concluded so we were surprised to see the planned launch and further details being announced in this way. The BBC is by far the biggest audio provider in the UK, so any expansion is likely to have an impact on competition and should be subject to meaningful consultation with stakeholders.”
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