From this weekend each local BBC radio station in England will broadcast a BBC Introducing programme at 8pm every Saturday night.
Whilst much of the music played during the day on BBC local radio is popular mainstream music, BBC Introducing highlights local music and unsigned artists. Each station has a local presenter with knowledge of the local music scene.
Presenting new, emerging artists is as exciting as it is rewarding. To see musicians with whom we’ve worked prior to their fame now selling out massive tours, climbing the charts and getting mainstream airplay is a real thrill.
Dean Jackson, Presenter, BBC Introducing on BBC Radio Nottingham
One recent artist to find mainstream success is Jake Bugg, whose album debuted at number one on the UK album chart last year. Local bands and artists are able to upload their music via a special website.
The BBC stations have been broadcasting the programme for some time in different time slots. Whilst BBC Introducing has been on Saturday at 8pm on Teesside for some time, it will be moving from a Friday night in Essex.
There are 32 local BBC Introducing shows, with shows also broadcast in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.