We have published an open letter to BBC Radio Scotland regarding recent changes to its late-night music output.
Written by our CEO and Creative Director Robert Kilpatrick on behalf of our 6,500+ members, and co-signed by a coalition of music sector organisations from across Scotland and the wider UK, the letter reflects concerns from across Scotland’s music community about the potential impact these changes may have on the discovery and development of new and independent Scottish music.
In November 2025, we previously wrote to BBC Radio Scotland to express concern regarding planned changes to its late-night specialist music programming and to request meaningful consultation with Scotland’s music sector.
Late-night specialist programming has historically played an important role within Scotland’s music ecosystem, providing a pathway for cultural discovery, audience development and industry opportunity.
In the letter, we call on BBC Radio Scotland to:
- Undertake meaningful consultation with Scotland’s music sector and audiences to assess the cultural and economic impact of these changes.
- Publish a clear strategy outlining how BBC Radio Scotland will meet its public service obligations to support Scottish music discovery and development, including measurable commitments relating to new and independent Scottish artists.
- Clarify the commissioning rationale and editorial framework for late-night music output, including how diversity, discovery and Scottish cultural representation will be safeguarded.
The letter is supported by a coalition of music sector organisations including the Association of Independent Music (AIM), BPI (British Recorded Music Industry) Limited, the Featured Artists Coalition, Help Musicians, the Music Managers Forum, the Music Producers Guild, the Music Publishers Association, the Musicians’ Union, Music Venue Trust, PRS Foundation, Scottish Music Centre, The Ivors Academy, the Traditional Music Forum of Scotland and UK Music.
Together, these organisations represent thousands of artists, music workers and businesses working across Scotland’s music ecosystem.
The full open letter is published below.
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