BBC 6 Music 'will not be rebranded as Radio 2 Extra'

The BBC's head of audio and music Tim Davie has said 6 Music will not be rebranded as Radio 2 Extra, quashing speculation that it might be revamped rather than shut down as part of the corporation's strategic review. Writing on his BBC blog , Davie said there were "no plans" to rebrand the station, which has been earmarked for closure in a review ordered by the BBC Trust. A consultation is under way and the trust is due to report is final findings late next month. Davie has previously talked about salvaging some of 6 Music's programmes and content by moving it to other parts of the BBC's radio network. He said that remained likely. "I said we would look at protecting some 6 Music programming by redeploying it elsewhere and considering how we can also do justice to its legacy in areas like new music development. This commitment also remains...... But simply rebranding 6 Music as Radio 2 Extra is not one of our plans." Davie has also confirmed that Radio 7 will become a sister channel to Radio 4, prompting reports that a smilar arrangement could be applied at Radio 6. Davie reiterated: "While we have proposed rebranding Radio 7 as Radio 4 Extra, there are no such plans for 6 Music." Acknowledging that there has been a well-organised and sustained campaign to try to save 6 Music, supported by some famous names in the music industry, Davie said the proposed closure had proved a "hot topic". He stressed that no final decision had been taken on future of the station. "The proposals made in the strategy review are the first part of a process. The BBC Trust are currently consulting the public on those proposals and nothing will happen until after the consultation is closed." • 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".