±«Óãtv

±«Óãtv Introducing has been named as the Best Place to Discover Music at the BT Digital Music Awards, seeing off competition from Drowned in Sound, Guardian Music, iTunes, NME and Resident Advisor to win the coveted top spot.

±«Óãtv Introducing is a multi-platform initiative across Radio 1, 6 Music, Radio 1Xtra, Asian Network, Switch, 40 ±«Óãtv Local Radio stations and at – all working together to provide an internal network dedicated to showcasing the hottest new talent from across the UK.

The ±«Óãtv Introducing Stage, which is now a valued fixture at many of the UK's music festivals, including Glastonbury, T in the Park, Reading and Leeds, has showcased over 600 artists since it was established in 2007. In addition, as well as hosting the way into these ±«Óãtv platforms through the Uploader tool, bbc.co.uk/introducing continues to act as a hub of practical advice and information for new artists wanting to take the next step in the industry.

Jason Carter, Editor, ±«Óãtv Introducing, says: "I'm delighted to see ±«Óãtv Introducing has been recognised. Since its launch in June 2007 it has provided opportunity for new musicians across the UK to get their music to the ±«Óãtv, and for some, radio exposure across local and national radio, as well as ±«Óãtv TV and Online. Every performance from artists playing our Introducing stages at the UK festivals, is available to watch and listen to online – a feast for any person searching out brand new, under-the-radar music."

Continuing to offer diverse and unique opportunities, the ±«Óãtv Introducing initiative has further strengthened throughout this year. It has enjoyed a growing commitment from Radio 1, which gave 10 weeks of playlist support to artists during the summer and the station has promised to feature a ±«Óãtv Introducing act on the playlist every single week from January 2011 – guaranteeing at least three spot plays per week in key daytime programmes.

Notes to Editors

Held at Camden's Roundhouse in London, the awards, set up to recognise the most influential players in the digital world, celebrated a host of talent, including Best Male Artist going to Robbie Williams.

The ±«Óãtv was highlighted for a second time on the night, when 6 Music's Adam Buxton's Big Mix Tape won the Best Radio Show or Podcast award.

SG