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Templates

Radio 2 pitch email Templates

Radio 2 pitch email templates

BBC Radio 2 receives hundreds of pitch emails weekly, but only a handful make it past the gatekeeper stage. These templates are calibrated for Radio 2's editorial preferences: established artists matter, catalogue strength signals longevity, and positioning matters more than hype. Use these as frameworks, not boilerplate — personalisation around specific shows, presenter preferences, and listener demographics is what gets your email read past the subject line.

7 templates

Daytime Playlist Pitch — Established Artist

Pitching a new single from an artist with prior Radio 2 play or equivalent chart/touring credibility to the main daytime playlist committee

[ARTIST NAME] returns with [SINGLE TITLE], a [GENRE] track that sits naturally within Radio 2's current rotation patterns. The track has [STREAMING FIGURES or CHART POSITION], and [ARTIST] brings [X YEARS] of touring history and [PREVIOUS RADIO 2 PLAY/EQUIVALENT CREDIBILITY]. The song's [SPECIFIC MUSICAL DETAIL — e.g., 'vocal melody', 'production style'] aligns with recent playlist adds like [COMPARABLE ARTIST], whilst retaining the artist's distinctive [DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC]. [ARTIST] is available for live session recording at [DATES/FLEXIBILITY]. This is a straightforward add for the [TIME SLOT — e.g., 'evening and weekend rotation'], targeting the core 45+ demographic whilst appealing to the younger edge of the audience.

Lead with catalogue and credibility before the track itself. Radio 2 programmers think about 'fit' within their existing schedule — reference a recent comparable add rather than asking them to imagine it. Keep streaming figures modest and honest; inflated claims damage credibility. Always offer session availability upfront.

Specialist Show Pitch — Folk/Country/Soul

Pitching to a specific Radio 2 specialist show (e.g., Folk Show, Country Music Show, Soul Music Show) where the gatekeeper is often the show presenter, not the main playlist committee

Hi [PRESENTER NAME], [ARTIST NAME]'s new album [ALBUM TITLE] is a [SPECIFIC GENRE DETAIL] record that feels tailor-made for [SHOW NAME]. The lead single, [TRACK TITLE], showcases [SPECIFIC MUSICAL ELEMENT that matches the show's aesthetic], and the wider album explores [THEMATIC ELEMENT]. [ARTIST] has [TOURING HISTORY/FESTIVAL APPEARANCES/PRIOR RADIO SUCCESS in the genre]. I think listeners to your show would respond particularly to [SPECIFIC TRACK TITLE], which [ONE-SENTENCE DESCRIPTION of why it fits the show]. Is there availability in the coming months for a feature or session? Happy to provide clips or arrange a call.

Use the presenter's first name if you have genuine prior contact; otherwise use formal salutation. Specialist shows are about curation, not formats — research what the presenter has recently played and reference it authentically. Avoid generic 'folk-influenced' language; be specific about instrumentation and tradition. These gatekeepers value artist development over chart position, so lean into authenticity and roots.

Session Request — New Artist or Album Launch

Requesting a live or recorded session when playlist placement is uncertain but the artist has potential for a specialist show or B-list rotation

[ARTIST NAME] is releasing [ALBUM TITLE] on [DATE] and would be available for a session recording in [MONTH/WEEK]. The album is [GENRE], produced/recorded at [STUDIO/LOCATION], and features [NOTABLE COLLABORATORS or UNIQUE PRODUCTION DETAIL]. Given [ARTIST]'s background in [RELEVANT SCENE/TOURING/PREVIOUS RELEASES], this feels like a strong fit for [SPECIFIC SHOW NAME] or consideration for [SPECIFIC TIME SLOT]. A session would give listeners a fuller sense of the album's [SPECIFIC QUALITY — e.g., 'orchestration', 'songwriting depth']. [ARTIST] are happy to be flexible on timing and format. Would [PRESENTER NAME] be interested in discussing?

Sessions are often easier to secure than playlist adds, especially for emerging artists. Frame it around introducing the artist and album, not as a consolation prize. Be honest about availability and realistic about session length — don't promise a full band session if it's a stripped-down affair. Research the show's session format beforehand (live, recorded, acoustic-focused, etc.).

Crossover Pitch — Artist Straddling Radio 1/2 Demographics

Pitching when you're genuinely uncertain whether Radio 1 or Radio 2 is the right home, or when you're positioning an artist for Radio 2 despite potential Radio 1 crossover appeal

[ARTIST NAME]'s [SINGLE/ALBUM] is a [GENRE] record with appeal across demographics, but we're positioning this campaign squarely for Radio 2 because [ONE CLEAR REASON — e.g., 'the artist's touring history skews 40+', 'the production and arrangement signal established radio', 'the narrative/album theme resonates with your core listener base']. The track has [MODEST STREAMING METRIC], and [ARTIST] has previously resonated with [RADIO 2-RELEVANT AUDIENCE or TOURING/FESTIVAL DATA]. We've deliberately chosen not to pursue Radio 1 simultaneously because [HONEST REASONING]. This feels like a Radio 2 priority, and we'd like your committee to have first look.

Radiohead-syndrome avoidance: be honest about where an artist genuinely belongs. Radio 2 programmers know when you're offering second-choice pitches. If you're genuinely torn, say so and ask for guidance — but have done your homework first. Demonstrating clear campaign strategy (why Radio 2, not 1) builds trust with programmers.

Re-Pitch After Initial Decline — Without Sounding Desperate

Following up after an initial 'no thanks' or 'not for us right now', when new information (chart position, streaming milestone, touring news, or time lapse) changes the picture

Following up on [PREVIOUS TRACK/ARTIST NAME]: the campaign has moved significantly. [ARTIST]'s [SINGLE] has now [NEW METRIC — e.g., 'charted in the Official Charts', 'accumulated X million streams', 'sold out their [VENUE] dates and added more']. More importantly, [ONE GENUINE DEVELOPMENT that changes the pitch — could be timing, listener behaviour data, or a festival booking]. I don't think we were positioning this correctly the first time around — this new angle feels more aligned with what Radio 2 listeners are responding to right now. Would you be open to reconsidering on that basis?

Only re-pitch if something material has changed. Radio 2 programmers receive re-pitches constantly; yours will be deleted if you're just adding 'following up'. A genuine new development (chart entry, streaming milestone, major tour announcement) gives you permission to get back in touch. Keep it brief and respect the original decision — framing as 'we were wrong about positioning' works better than 'you were wrong about the song'.

Album Deep-Cut Pitch — For Established Artists

Pitching a non-single album track or B-side from an established artist's new record, either for specialist shows or as 'album track' rotation (rare but possible for legacy names)

[ARTIST NAME]'s new album [TITLE] drops [DATE], and we'd like to flag [TRACK TITLE] for your consideration — specifically for [SPECIALIST SHOW/TIME SLOT]. It's not positioned as a single, but it's an exceptionally strong piece that showcases [SPECIFIC QUALITY — e.g., 'the depth of the songwriting', 'the full band arrangement', 'a production risk that pays off']. [ARTIST]'s catalogue and touring history mean Radio 2 listeners trust their output, and we think [TRACK TITLE] would resonate particularly with the [SPECIFIC SHOW] audience because [ONE REASON]. Would you consider featuring it as an album preview or adding it to your rotation?

Album tracks are a hard sell for mainstream playlists but occasionally work for specialist shows or as part of album promotional weeks. Position it around the artist's credibility and catalogue strength, not as a hidden gem you're doing them a favour discovering. Be selective — only pitch tracks that genuinely stand out. Established artists' non-single material can sometimes perform better with slightly older listeners who value depth over singles strategy.

Campaign Overview — For Pluggers New to a Station/Relationship

Introductory email to a specific Radio 2 programmer or department when you're establishing a new working relationship or representing a new artist at the station

Hi [PROGRAMMER/SHOW NAME], I'm [YOUR NAME] at [AGENCY/LABEL], and we're starting a campaign around [ARTIST NAME] and [SINGLE/ALBUM]. I've followed Radio 2's output for a while and have genuine conviction that [ARTIST] is a natural fit, particularly for [SPECIFIC SHOW or DAYPART], because [ONE OR TWO CONCRETE REASONS — not generic hype]. Rather than pitch blind, I wanted to reach out and understand whether [ARTIST NAME]'s [GENRE/STYLE] feels relevant to your current thinking. Happy to send clips, arrange a call, or just answer any questions. My goal is a straightforward working relationship based on music we both rate, not chasing adds that aren't genuine fits.

This is a relationship-building email, not a pitch. You're establishing yourself as someone who listens to the station, respects editorial judgement, and isn't going to waste their time with unsuitable artists. Reference a specific recent play or decision if you can — shows you're actually watching the programming. Keep it short; the real conversation happens if they respond.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a Radio 2 pitch email be?

Two to three short paragraphs maximum — typically 150–200 words. Radio 2 programmers receive dozens of pitches daily and skim most. Lead with why the artist fits Radio 2 specifically, then the track, then logistical availability. Any longer and you're competing with their inbox backlog.

Should I mention streaming numbers or chart positions in a pitch?

Only if they're genuinely impressive or strategically relevant. A track with 2 million streams looks weak; one with 15 million or a chart entry strengthens your pitch. For emerging artists, omit figures entirely and focus on touring, credibility in their scene, or production quality instead.

What's the difference between pitching to the main playlist versus a specialist show?

The main playlist (daytime rotation) is governed by a committee and values broad demographic appeal, catalogue strength, and established credibility. Specialist shows are often curated by the presenter and prioritise authenticity within their genre, artist development, and a deeper connection to their niche audience. Target accordingly.

How do I know if an artist is Radio 2 or Radio 1?

Radio 2 skews 35+ and values touring history, album catalogues, and musical maturity. Radio 1 targets 15–34 and leads with singles momentum, playlist culture, and current trends. If your artist's recent touring data, streaming demographics, or editorial narrative sit older-skewing, Radio 2 is the home. Don't hedge — the wrong target wastes everyone's time.

When should I follow up on a declined pitch?

Only if something material has changed: a chart entry, a sold-out tour announcement, a significant streaming milestone, or enough time has passed that the musical landscape has shifted. A generic 'checking in' email gets deleted. Radio 2 programmers respect artists who know their place; re-pitch only when there's genuine new information.

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