ELTON ISSUES PLEA FOR BBC

Sir Elton John has called cuts to BBC Introducing “a worrying step” that’s neglectful of musicians who “bring culture and capital to the U.K. at home and abroad.”

John issued a plea to the BBC via Instagram Thursday to “make good on their promise to continue to support up-and-coming acts and not compromise the essence” of its talent-development program.

The statement follows the BBC's reduction of Introducing programs from 32 to 20, with many staff and presenters set to lose jobs as a result. Over the last few weeks, BBC local radio workers have been on strike in an effort to oppose the plan.

“BBC Introducing’s network and support of new music has been one of the best ways for emerging artists to get airplay and find listeners from local to national radio,” John continued. “To stop investing in the future of the U.K.’s influential music industry whilst cuts are being made to the creative sector across the board would be a worrying step and neglect of musicians who bring culture and capital to the U.K. at home and abroad.”

Nile Rodgers has also weighed in on the debate, calling BBC Introducing’s impact on the music scene “enormous” for “not only breaking the biggest names in the music industry but shining the spotlight on the incredible local scenes and those brilliant artists who would never want a #1 record.”

Earlier this year, a range of industry trade bodies penned an open letter to the BBC urging it to protect Introducing—“a fundamental cog in the machine of the grassroots sector.”