BBC Asian Network announces world’s first Official Asian Download Chart

The BBC Asian Network today announces that it will broadcast the world’s first Official Asian Download Chart.

Presented by Bobby Friction, the three-hour extended show is set to launch on Saturday 27 March from 3.00 to 6.00pm.

Compiled by The Official Charts Company, the top 20 rundown replaces the station’s current Saturday afternoon opinion-based buzz chart.

The BBC Asian Network has played a strategic role in developing the chart, which is based on UK-only digital retail sales.

Bobby Friction will count down the best new Asian music and releases and there’ll be more listener interaction than ever before.

The chart will also feature key “No.1” moments, with special guest artists, and there will be a strong link with Mumbai.

The full top 40 will be available online each Saturday at bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork.

Mark Strippel, Head of Music & Events, BBC Asian Network, says: "The Asian Network takes its responsibility towards supporting the Asian music industry very seriously and we’re proud to be launching the first official chart format.

“The formation of this chart has been a long time coming and is a real landmark moment.”

Phil Matcham, from the Official Charts Company, says: "Creating an official chart that covers Asian music sales has been a long term ambition of ours and we are delighted that we are now able to produce such a chart.

“We are confident it will provide a focus for, and raise the profile of, this vibrant and successful genre.”

Bobby Friction adds: "To say I’m excited to present the world’s first Asian Download Chart show is an understatement!

"I’ve spent 20 years in this industry waiting for something like this to happen, and presenting the show is something I’ll do with joy and full-on passion.

“At last music fans around the world will be able to gauge the true popularity of their favourite artists and tracks, make no mistake – this is a game-changing moment in the history of Desi music.”

Digital sales have increased rapidly over the last few years. In 2009, 98% of all singles sold in the UK were downloads [1].

Most Asian releases are now available on digital formats, which further cements the importance for The Official Asian Download Chart.
Notes to Editors

[1] Data compiled and supplied The Official Charts Company.

The Official Charts Company (OCC) is a joint venture between the record labels’ body, the British Recorded Music Industry (BPI), and the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA). The OCC is responsible for the commissioning, marketing, distribution and management of the UK’s industry standard music and video charts and is endorsed by the British Video Association (BVA).

The OCC’s chart information for the Official Asian Download Chart is based on UK sales data provided by Millward Brown from a panel of more than 30 digital music stores.

BBC Asian Network is a national digital radio station that reaches out to 360,000 listeners each week. It launched as a national station in 2002 and is now one of the leading Asian radio stations in the UK.

The station sound has a distinctive mix of British Asian, Bollywood, Bhangra, news, debate, languages, entertainment and live events with a real focus on promoting and highlighting British Asian talent. It plays host to the best in Asian talent including presenters Adil Ray, Sonia Deol, Tommy Sandhu, Bobby Friction, Nihal and Raj & Pablo.

You can listen to the BBC Asian Network on bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork, DAB digital radio and Digital TV.