The John Peel Lecture

The lecture invites a notable figure from the music industry to shape a debate and create insight around music and music-related media. Taking its inspiration from one of the greatest radio broadcasters of all time, and a figure who perpetually challenged the status quo, the John Peel Lecture has been a part of the Radio Festival since 2011.

This year's John Peel Lecture examined the ecology of culture. Brian Eno demonstrated how the whole complex of individuals and institutions engaged in culture - artists, broadcasters, gallerists, promoters, DJs, managers, lawyers, fans - are symbiotically connected parts of a single huge organism which we call Culture. He outlines some of his thinking on this very unpredictable ecology and explores the interconnected relationships between the elements and components that combine to create our culture, and shows how cultural processes confer essential and important benefits on society.

Brian Eno joined a list of high profile speakers who have delivered the John Peel Lecture. These are The Who's Pete Townshend in 2011, who explored the implications of digital music media in an age of free downloads and a disposable attitude to music; Billy Bragg in 2012 whose speech explored how music and radio need mavericks to keep moving forward; and in October 2013, Charlotte Church delivered an insightful speech on the theme of women and their representation in the music industry. Last year 6 Music's Iggy Pop gave a speech on the topic of Free Music in a Capitalist Society.

Brian Eno examines the ecology of culture.

6 Music presents this annual discussion on music and music-related media.

The celebrated singer-songwriter remembers his own start in the music industry, from the playground celebrity which followed his Radio Essex debut; to a first glowing review in the Melody Maker; and how he grabbed the attention of Charisma Records' head of A&R after pretending he was there to fix the VCR.

Billy reflects on the appeal of the DIY aesthetic in punk and, before that, in skiffle bands; the pub residency that made him a fearless live performer; and the mushroom biryani that led to a career-changing encounter with John Peel.

Peel was the discoverer, who led listeners 'through a magic perfumed garden of culture'. After he played The Milkman of Human Kindess on Radio 1, Billy was invited in for a session, and this exposure was the catalyst which allowed him to break through.

Questioning why the music industry is increasingly dominated by artists who went to drama schools, or have graduated from shiny-floored, 'culture-clogging' talent shows, Billy asks whether the focus on knowledge over creativity is contributing to the steady decline of state educated musicians getting into the charts.

Focusing on the Jake Bugg's recent - but rare - success, Billy celebrates the involvement of the BBC's Introducing initiative. And he praises other champions of new music, including Amazing Radio, a station devoted exclusively to new and emerging artists.

This programme was recorded at the 2012 Radio Festival in November and follows on from Pete Townshend's inaugural lecture the previous year.

Billy Bragg reflects on his early career and the state of the music and radio industries.

6 Music presents this annual discussion on music and music-related media.

Pete examines the current state of music media and asks the question: Can John Peelism survive the Internet? In an age of free downloads and a disposable attitude to music, can creative people earn a living, and without radio how can the 'unpolished' music that John Peel championed find an audience?

Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie introduce the lecture which is followed by a Q&A session.

Another chance to hear Pete Townshend giving the first John Peel Lecture.

6 Music presents this annual discussion on music and music-related media.

6 Music presents this annual discussion on music and music-related media.