‘There’s a star man waiting in the sky’: How does public radio approach under-the-radar musicians in the United Kingdom and Spain?

Abstract

The present article aims to address one specific issue concerning public service media: how does public radio approach under-the-radar musicians? Throughout its history public radio has continued to discover and support upcoming musicians, who, by definition, have few promotional opportunities due to their position on the periphery of the music industry. This research is developed by comparing various public radio initiatives regarding under-the-radar musicians in the United Kingdom and Spain at national and regional level. Within the framework of comparative media systems, it provides case studies of BBC Introducing (BBC Radio, United Kingdom), Sona9 (CCMA, iCat.cat, Catalonia, Spain), Maketa Lehiaketa (EITB, Gaztea Irratia, Basque Country, Spain) and Proyecto Demo (RTVE, Radio 3, Spain). This subject is approached by using a mixed methodology of content analysis and interviews. The findings elucidate how these initiatives are based upon a strong public service commitment, through the combination of public service media and live venues, with particular relevance to young local music scenes and the national music industry. It is concluded that providing support to under-the-radar musicians could be a valuable lifeline for public service broadcasting in seemingly permanent crisis.

10 propuestas para la consolidación de una radio musical de servicio público en España

“…Este artículo se basa en la investigación doctoral del autor, realizada en la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona en 2015, que exploró el profundo impacto de la radio musical pública en la sociedad española. Reflexionando sobre la investigación y los artículos académicos posteriores publicados (Costa Gálvez, 2015, 2016a, 2016b, 2017, el autor identifica el enfoque principal de definir una radio musical de servicio público. Este artículo presenta una oportunidad para revisar y actualizar las propuestas de establecer y fortalecer la radio musical de servicio público en España, resaltando diez propuestas consideradas valiosas en el año 2023.…”

“…The final part of the research focused on my main concern: the definition of a public service music radio. In the variety of academic articles that were published based on my doctoral research (Costa Gálvez, 2015, 2016a, 2016b, 2017, I did not mention the main purpose of the research: to define public service music radio in Spain. That is why I appreciate the opportunity to review, with hindsight, to update my proposals for consolidating public service music radio in Spain by selecting the 10 that I think are still valuable in 2023.…”

“…This article draws upon the author's doctoral research, conducted at the Autonomous University of Barcelona in 2015, which explored the profound impact of public music radio on Spanish society. Reflecting on the research and subsequent academic articles published (Costa Gálvez, 2015, 2016a, 2016b, 2017, the author identifies the primary focus of defining a public service music radio. This article presents an opportunity to revisit and update 10 proposals for establishing and strengthening public service music radio in Spain, highlighting ten enduring principles deemed valuable in the year 2023.…”

On the Wire: Analysing the evolution of BBC Local Radio, music radio and public service broadcasting

“…It could also be argued that without On the Wire and other innovative BBC local radio music shows, BBC Introducing would not come into existence. Gálvez (2017) explains local public radio has a crucial role in supporting emerging musicians, highlighting the importance of public service radio in the UK and Spain in fostering local music scenes and live venues, and arguing that supporting emerging musicians is crucial for the survival of public service broadcasting. Emerging artists can showcase their talents and gain exposure to wider audiences.…”