ABSTRACT
A folk music radio presence was still quite strong across the BBC’s local radio network, although had been long-abandoned by all forms of commercial radio. The number of promoters dealing with smaller venues such as the aforementioned arts centres, local civic and village halls, and so on, had gathered some pace, but consistent profitability was difficult and to paraphrase one small-time folk and roots promoter based in Northwich, Cheshire. For the public to get best choice, best value and best service, folk businesses must become more professional. Professionalism means being on top of our job, controlling costs, good presentation and most importantly establishing long term trust relationships with suppliers and customers. Folk music record labels understand that they cannot afford to be anything other than self-seeking; however their identification of a significant demand for folk music sounds alongside concomitant artist concerns about the state of our planet have been interesting to observe, for such stances engage with modern ‘alternative’ countercultures.
