Six hits right note

MATTHEW Young is right to condemn the BBC's intention to axe 6 Music (Opinion, 6 March). It is perhaps no coincidence that since the untimely death of the great John Peel, British popular music has largely lost the element to innovate, excite and outrage.

As a result, svengalis such as Simon Cowell have gained a prominence they would not have done 20 years ago with their bland, manufactured karaoke approach to music, the aim of which is to do nothing more than accumulate as much money as possible.

To many of us, nothing will ever replace the provocative, idiosyncratic taste of Peel, however 6 Music at least tries by ploughing a similar furrow and, therefore, deserves to continue providing what is a valuable service.

GAVIN FLEMING

Webster's Land

Grassmarket, Edinburgh