Radio 1 hopes for a hit with new-look chart show
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Last night saw the high-profile launch by Radio 1 of the "brand new" UK Top 40, presented by a brand new DJ, 23-year-old Wes Butters (who prefers to be known simply as "Wes", perhaps because of years of playground banter).
The relaunch has become necessary not because the charts are in decline, but because they are in particularly rude health. Other, rival charts have prospered, notably the Woolworth's UK Hit 40 (until recently the Pepsi charts), which takes into account airplay as well as sales of singles.
The recruitment of Wes and the revamping of the format to include, among other things, an element of live performance and greater emphasis on the album charts, were intended to put the BBC back on top.
It may be that first-night nerves quelled a natural exuberance, but the most notable aspect of his debut was an enthusiasm for statistical minutiae – "Third Edge with their second single, entering three places lower than their debut". Or that could have been Second Edge with their third single ...
Then again, it may be that trainspotting tendencies are exactly what the audience wants. Asked to explain the chart's continuing popularity, Joe Graham, the programme's producer, pointed out that "it's a well-recorded fact that people love lists, and the Top 40 is a big long list".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments