BBC Radio 3 must maintain commitment to live concerts.
That's the opinion of Paul Holmes, MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Arts and Culture. The comment comes after speculation that the station is about to cut back on the amount of live events.
"BBC Radio 3 is the biggest commissioner of new music in the world and plays an essential role in supporting the development of musical talent in the UK.
"I believe that these roles of Radio 3 must be maintained to ensure that listeners have access to live classical music and musicians and singers are able to reach audiences throughout their careers.
"A fair settlement for the BBC licence fee demands that the BBC remains committed to high quality public service broadcasting, and live concerts on Radio 3 are central to this requirement.
"I have tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the BBC to rethink these cuts."
Earlier this month a spokeswoman admitted there would be fewer concerts broadcast live, but that the proportion of live and pre-recorded concerts would increase overall. The station is expected to announce a new schedule during December, to introduce in February 2007.