BBC 6 Music hosts election debate

The BBC's election coverage is being extended to its digital music station, BBC 6 Music, which will feature a debate about the future of the music industry hosted by Richard Bacon. The programme, which will be broadcast on 30 April, will include former shadow culture media and sport secretary John Whittingdale, the minister of state for culture and tourism Margaret Hodge and the Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Don Foster. The head of UK Music, Feargal Sharkey, will also take part in the debate, which will ask how the election will affect the UK music business. Issues are expected to include piracy and copyright, licensing and ticket touts, new talent and new technology. 6 Music is set to close at the end of next year under plans announced by BBC director general Mark Thompson. The proposals are currently being considered by the BBC Trust and have been put out for public consultation. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".