BBC RADIO THREE LIVE CONCERTS

That this House deplores the proposal to end the broadcasting of live concerts on Radio Three outside the Prom season; believes that live concerts are an essential part of the BBC's musical remit; is concerned that ending the broadcasting of live music will reduce the choice of classical music available to listeners and could reduce the number of such concerts, especially in the regions; believes that it might also reduce the BBC's commissioning of new music and jeopardise the future of its orchestras and singers; considers that the BBC's role as a training ground for talent will be threatened, undermining one of the justifications for the licence fee; reminds the BBC that its broadcasting policy should not be the plaything of particular controllers; insists that its management undertake a proper consultation with its listeners and the classical music community before any final decisions are taken; maintains that cutting live performances will be a betrayal of the historic role of the BBC; and calls upon the BBC's governors to take this final opportunity before they disappear to make a stand against yet another example of the dumbing down of the BBC's cultural programming.