Radio DJs Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton will present the first ever BBC Music Awards at Earls Court on December 11, the corporation has announced. Celebrating the year’s most popular music, the awards’ show is the latest example of the BBC’s wide-ranging musical strategy. 

Fearne CottonFearne Cotton will present the BBC Music Awards, with Chris Evans

The awards will be the BBC’s biggest musical event after Glastonbury and unite BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 with its presenters. Prizes will include British artist of the year and best song of the year.

The winners will be determined by a panel of BBC presenters and producers and international artists will also be up for certain awards, as well as viewers and listeners choosing the best track of the year.

The BBC’s new musical strategy was unveiled by the corporation on Monday, with primary focus on TV and radio programming, digital services and provisions to support emerging talent. 

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"Today's the start of something very special for everyone who loves music," BBC director general Tony Hall said.

"BBC Music is a celebration of the brilliant musical talent across our country. We'll be joining up music on television, radio, iPlayer and online like never before. There'll be new shows, new partnerships and whole new ways to enjoy music."

"From the BBC Proms to Glastonbury, music on the BBC already creates a range of amazing experiences that our audiences love," Bob Shennan, director of BBC Music and controller of BBC Radio 2, 6 Music and Asian Network, said.

"Under BBC Music and in partnership with the UK music industry, we will set a new benchmark for quality and scale, with bigger events and more world-class programming delivered in new ways."

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