New Culture Secretary

Out with Andy Burnham and in with former journalist Ben Bradshaw

08 June 2009 - Music piracy, copyright extension and the future of digital music are just a few of the challenges the new Secretary of State at the Department for Culture will have to deal with, following the exit of Andy Burnham last week.

After a string of Government shake-ups Burnham has been made Health Secretary and is to be replaced by Ben Bradshaw MP, who officially starts his new job today (8 June).

Burnham has been a figurehead for the upcoming Digital Britain report and 6 Music caught up with him after what was his final address at a music industry event last week.

Speaking about the post, he said: “It’s a great job. I am passionate about music and always have been, it’s a great chance to have the opportunity to contribute to the industry and it is a massive moment of significance for the music industry.

“To have been in the seat at this time is a great thing. I’d love to see the job through.”

Healthy to-do list

Burnham’s replacement, Ben Bradshaw, could have his work cut though - according to Ben Cardew from Music Week magazine, who told 6 Music: “He hasn’t got long to get on top of it really because of the Digital Britain report.”

The interim report contains more than 20 recommendations on issues including a digital future for radio, a new deal for digital content rights and enhancing the digital delivery of public services.

“Everybody thinks that’s going to be published on June 13th,so very little time to get into it. He’s got to hit the ground running,” Cardew added.

"People are slightly disappointed because Andy built very close relationships with the music industry."
Music Week spokesman

The Culture Secretary role plays a key part in addressing major issues within the music industry, including tackling illegal file-sharing.

Even Burnham himself admitted there were big challenges ahead: “We’re not out of the woods, the music industry needs to get real certainty on these questions over the next year.”

Cardew said Andy Burnham was well-liked by music bosses, so there are some big boots to fill: “I think people are slightly disappointed because Andy built very close relationships with the music industry.

“A lot of people liked him and he seemed actually prepared to do something, rather than just talking about it. He campaigned on behalf of the industry and helped to get things changed.”

The new recruit

For most Ben Bradshaw is an “unknown quantity”, said Cardew.

He started out working as a newspaper and radio journalist for Exeter’s Express and Echo and BBC Radio Devon.

He was made Minister in the Foreign Office in 2001 and has also filled the position of Deputy Leader of the Commons, Environment Minister before working in the Health team from 2007.

“The fact that he used to work as a journalist on local papers does give people hope that he is going to be good for the music industry, because it shows that he’s open to media at least, because it’s very important,” explained Cardew.

Georgie Rogers