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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 6 Music's Richard Bacon will host an hour-long debate on the digital radio station, this Friday 30 April, 3-4pm, with representatives from the three main parties and leading industry figures, to pose the question; "How will the election affect the UK music industry?"

Produced by 6 Music News, the programme will debate the key issues concerning the music business, including piracy and copyright, licensing and ticket touts, supporting new talent in the UK, how breakthrough technology can be both a boost and a hindrance, live music and the future of the industry.

Richard will be joined by Conservative's former Shadow Culture Media and Sport secretary, John Whittingdale OBE MP, Labour's Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, Margaret Hodge MP, and the Liberal Democrat's Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP.

The Head of UK Music and former Undertones front man Feargal Sharkey will also be in the studio. Further contributions to the debate come from Doves, Reverend and the Makers, concert promoter Melvyn Benn and Glastonbury Festival organiser, Michael Eavis.

Paul Rodgers, Editor of 6 Music, comments: "The music industry is incredibly important to millions of people and 6 Music is the natural home for a debate that gets under the skin of the matters that affect both the day-to-day industry and music lovers throughout the UK."

6 Music's credentials were recently acknowledged with seven nominations in the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2010. Recognised presenters include Lauren Laverne (Best Music Programme and Music Radio Personality of the Year), Steve Lamacq and Huey Morgan (Music Broadcaster of the Year) and Adam and Joe (Best Comedy). Other nominations include Best Station Imaging, and for Steve Levine (Best Programme Contributor).

CH