Tories attack BBC cuts to niche stations

The shadow Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has questioned the BBC's decision to cut niche radio stations such as 6 Music and BBC Asian Network.

Mr Hunt suggested that the Corporation's most popular music stations were too similar to commercial services such as Absolute Radio and London-based Capital FM.

"When you have huge stations like Radio 1 and Radio 2 that really dominate the market, they do need to make sure they're providing distinct services," he said. "If the BBC starts providing stuff that the market would provide of its own accord, you'll drive out the independent sector and you'll end up with one show in town and that's bad for consumers."