BBC logs 'just under 8,000' complaints about plan to close 6 Music

The BBC has received nearly 8,000 complaints about the decision to close its digital radio station BBC 6 Music. 6 Music, along with the BBC Asian Network, will stop broadcasting at the end of 2011 under proposals put forward by BBC director general Mark Thompson as part of his corporation-wide strategy review. The announcement prompted a furious backlash from listeners, trade unions and the music industry . 6 Music presenters including Richard Bacon , Adam Buxton and Jarvis Cocker have spoken out against the decision, and the station's DJs have been encouraging listeners to make their feelings known to the BBC Trust, which is holding a 12-week consultation on the proposals. A BBC spokesman confirmed that "just under" 8,000 complaints had so far been received. Another 624 complaints have been received about the decision to close the Asian Network . "It is absolutely right that licence-fee payers have an opportunity to have their say on big decisions like service closures before final conclusions are reached and that is why the BBC Trust is running a public consultation in which we hope as many people as possible will participate in ," the spokesman said. • 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".