While the BBC plans to slash its local radio services, it’s good to know there’s still money to fund the obsession Radio 1 execs have with making their channel a “visual medium”. You might think that BBC radio execs with ambitions in video would be best seeking jobs in the Beeb’s TV division, but why bother when you can waste loads of licence fee payers money making the final hour of the ‘Official Chart Show’ into a super-duper multi-media online viewing experience that no one will watch? Sorted.
Yes, Radio 1 will revamp ‘The Official Chart Show with Rastamouse’ next month, with the last hour also pumped out on the station’s website, with videos of the top ten tracks, live clips of host Reggie Yates counting, and footage of that new fangled number one record trophy being handed over. Listeners – or viewers, I suppose – will be able to interact via Facebook, Twitter and text, should they want to.
Announcing the new look chart show, Radio 1 boss Ben Cooper told reporters: “This is the chart show for the 21st century. I’m very excited about this innovation. Young people will be logging on to listen, watch and take part in the show. I hope that this will be to our young listeners what listening to the chart and waiting to record your favourite pop songs was for another generation”.
Meanwhile Official Charts Company boss Martin Talbot voiced his approval for the new plans, saying: “It feels completely appropriate that Radio 1 should choose to reinvent the concept of the radio show in the year that the Official Singles Chart marks its 60th anniversary. The Official Singles Chart has always reflected changing musical tastes and the evolving ways music fans have bought and enjoyed their music. And Radio 1′s innovation will change the way music and chart fans engage with the weekly Official Chart Show”.
Some major label execs do seem excited about the new look chart programme, which some have already dubbed “‘Top Of The Pops’ for the 21st century”, though those working with less mainstream acts might wish the Beeb would pump some of the cash spent on Radio 1′s little watched red-button and webcam endeavours to protect the specialist and new talent shows that air on the BBC local radio network.
Though given the BBC Trust is expected to reject BBC management’s plans to slash local radio funding, in much the same way proposals to shut 6music and the Asian Network were axed, the Corporation’s top guard may be finally forced to consider cutting budgets at its over-staffed, over-funded national music networks in order to meet its tough spending plans. Still, enjoy Reggie’s web hour while it lasts.
Sections: Media | Tags: BBC, BBC Trust, Official Charts Company, Radio 1
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