6 Music have been making changes again, and it’s fair to say fans of the station are livid. Popular presenters Gideon Coe and Marc Riley are being put together, moved to a different slot, and having their airtime hours halved.
It’s hard to see this as anything other than a demotion for two of the stations most beloved stars.
Listener reaction has been critical across the board:
This sucks. Marc Riley’s show is the best thing on 6 Music, regularly introducing me to my new favourite bands. Hiding him away on a late night slot with Gideon Coe is a massive waste of both their talents.
— Nick Clarke (@NjClarke) April 4, 2023
I’ve been introduced to, and enjoyed, more music (old & new) by Marc Riley & Gideon Coe than any other presenters. Feels like @BBC6Music is having its heart ripped out. There had to be a better way… pic.twitter.com/Y1ne3mnA2D
— Andy Trollope (@AndyTrollope) April 4, 2023
Terrible news, love Marc Riley & Gid Coe. Two of the best presenters being bundled out the way. Awful 🤦
I do like Deb Grant, but surely you could have scheduled a show for her in a better time slot
— Alan (@alanmuttley1066) April 4, 2023
Given how the BBC is struggling for survival, and 6 Music more than most of the corporation, this is a risk.
This is just shite – can’t believe they have done this…
Time to Save 6 Music, Riley & Coe are 6 Music
We saved the station once before, we can do it again by reinstating these two to their rightful place or the the station is dead…
Marc plays a good mix of new and old, what we are about to get (Dance !!) you can find on Radio1, Radio1Extra, and now on 6…wont be listening, shame on the BBC
Awful decision, mark Riley is galaxies ahead of any 6 music presenter. What a short sighted and wrong headed move. Completely baffling given that he’s objectively the best advocate of new music out there.