RADIO: Panjabi Hit Squad boosted in 1Xtra line-up

Asian music on mainstream radio was given another boost today with the announcement that Panjabi Hit Squad on BBC 1Xtra are being moved to an earlier slot.

The new schedule changes reflect an evolution of 1Xtra’s musical priorities and have been designed to ensure the station champions the most important black music whilst also bringing some new faces onboard. Currently Panjabi Hit Squad are the only Asian stars featuring on the black digital station. Panjabi Hit Squad will be moved from the Monday midnight slot to an earlier 10pm slot on Thursday nights.

The change coincides with Bobby and Nihal’s Radio One show, which too will be moving to a primetime slot come July. The popular Asian duo will be moving to Wednesday nights (9pm). Willber Willberforce, 1Xtra Programmes Editor, said of the changes: “1Xtra’s remit is to play the best in new black music. We have evolved 1Xtra’s schedule so that it is flexible and able to reflect the fast-moving black music scene.”

The changes to the specialist schedule will come into effect from 2nd August 2004.