BBC Music awards to go head-to-head with the Brits
The BBC has announced that it is to go head-to-head with the Brit Awards with the launch of its own rival awards programme, modelled on its Sports Personality of the Year show.
Fearne Cotton and Chris Evans have been lined up to host the event, which will be broadcast on BBC1 in December and benefit from cross promotion on other BBC platforms; such as Radio 1, Radio 2 and online.
Designed to celebrate the best new popular music the BBC Music awards will feature live performances from nominated acts and act as a springboard for new talent.
Bob Shennan, controller of BBC Music, Radio 2, 6 Music and Asian Network said: "The BBC Music awards will tell the story of the last year in music as reflected on the BBC, just like Sports Personality of the Year does for sport. The performances will showcase the best performances from new and emerging talent, seasoned professionals and best-selling songs as well as the biggest live events in music."
Shennan denied that the format was a direct challenge to ITV’s The Brit Awards, arguing that the BBC Music Awards would attract older music listeners and may feature collaborations with the BBC Concert Orchestra..