The remit of BBC Asian Network is to provide speech and music output appealing to the British Asian communities. It should be primarily in English, but some programming should be provided in a range of South Asian languages.

The primary target audience is British Asians under 35 (reflecting the age profile of the Asian communities), but the station should also appeal to anyone with an interest in British Asian issues, music and culture.

BBC Asian Network will continue to contribute towards the delivery of the BBC's public purposes in the range of ways set out in its service licence. Key developments in the way in which the service will contribute to each purpose are outlined below. These are designed to address the priorities identified by the BBC Trust, future-proof the delivery of the purposes, and address perceived gaps in delivery in line with strategies in the BBC's purpose plans.

1 Sustaining citizenship and civil society

• Priority: The Asian Network will aim to break and cover key news stories relating to and affecting the UK's Asian communities. A second edition of The Wrap, the flagship 30-minute weekday news programme (renamed Asian Network Reports from 20 April 2009), will continue to be broadcast throughout the year, with frequent news summaries at breakfast time and hourly bulletins elsewhere.
• The documentary strand Asian Network Report will address significant issues and subjects, with a weekday phone-in programme offering a place for debate and discussion around the most important stories of the day.

2 Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence

• Priority: Following the recent launch of a new breakfast show with Adil Ray, other areas of the schedule will be reviewed and revised to ensure that the station maintains its close connection with the audience and reflects a wide range of interests and tastes.
• Work will continue to find and develop the next generation of on-air talent, providing an entrance point for DJs new to national radio, or opportunities to gain further experience by deputising on other programmes.

3 Reflecting the UK, its nations, regions and communities

• Priority: A number of events and live music concerts will be staged in cities around the UK with significant Asian communities, with highlights broadcast on air. The Asian Network is the main partner of the London Mela and will continue to be closely involved in BBC Introducing... and the BBC Electric Proms, supporting new and emerging Asian music artists.

4 Bringing the UK to the world and the world to the UK

• The Asian Network will expose its audience to new and original music from UK artists, including unsigned acts featured each week in the Friction show, as well as showcasing the best music from high-profile South Asian musicians and live music sessions recorded in India and Pakistan.
• The latest film news, interviews and reviews from Bollywood will be covered extensively both on air, with dedicated shows each weekend, and online via Bollywood Blog.

5 Promoting education and learning

• The Asian Network's language programming will continue to celebrate the linguistic heritage of Asian languages and to connect with people within the UK Asian communities who are not fluent in English.

6 Delivering the benefit of emerging communications technologies

• Subject to rights and permissions, the Asian Network will look to maximise the possibilities that technology provides to share its content across the web, including syndication of video and audio highlights in association with outside partners, and allowing listeners to use Asian Network content in their own digital spaces.

Unless otherwise stated, all commitments are minimum hours or percentages and include originations, repeats and acquisitions. All conditions are annual unless otherwise stated.

Sustaining citizenship and civil society

• 50:50 proportion of speech to music

Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence

• 40% of music in daytime from UK artists
  (Daytime is defined as 06.00-19.00hrs, Monday–Friday and 08.00-14.00 Saturday–Sunday.)
• Contribute to BBC Radio's commitment to commission at least 10% of eligible hours of output from independent producers

Reflecting the UK, its nations, regions and communities

• 3-5 hours on average of language programming each day