You may be aware that the BBC has announced plans to create a number of new radio services.

One is an 'extension' to Radio 2 - a new station they describe as: "providing a distinctive take on pop nostalgia, diving into the music and unique BBC archive primarily from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s"

We feel this sounds remarkably like Boom Radio - yet the BBC suggests that there's no other station like it.  They are wrong.

When they mention the music to be played on the new station, Boom Radio plays every artist listed, although we play more variety than they will! 

They mention speech - yet we have broadcast much similar material; and presenters "who shaped the cultural landscape of our time" -  just like Boom's!

Boom Radio was created by a group of individuals who felt the BBC had stopped caring about the interests of older listeners. We got together, invested our own cash, worked exceptionally long hours and created something of which we are very proud.  We are touched daily by your feedback. We believe Boom has become more than just another radio station - it is a true companion.

There are some hard truths.The BBC's plans will generate a new unexpected competitor to Boom. Despite the listener loyalty we know we enjoy, some listeners will move across or spend less time with us - and others who have not yet joined us may never join us.

That shift will reduce our income. That affects how much we spend on what we do, how much we can grow Boom Radio and its offshoots Boom Light and Boom Rock.

Depending how serious the damage, and the economic climate, it could even place the existence of Boom Radio in doubt. That is the case whether the new BBC stations are transmitted online or on DAB.

Whilst many of us support the BBC's excellence in many areas, we do not feel it should be investing licence fee payers' money in creating a very similar radio station in a way which could seriously damage Boom. We are thoroughly puzzled about spending money on this when the BBC has chosen to seriously reduce BBC local radio services.

You have been asking how you can help. May we advise that you write to the BBC which is carrying out some investigations into this matter. You can read about those here.

Write to: publicinterest.test@bbc.co.uk

In summary, we feel they need to better understand that there is little extra public value from the proposals and that high-quality distinctive output for older audiences is already available. Also that the new Radio 2 extension will overlap with Boom, stealing audiences and placing it at risk owing to reduced income. That would  be unfair competition - whether on DAB or just online - potentially depriving UK radio  of a very valuable player with a proven signifcant cultural and social impact.

It would also be worthwile writing to your MP. Click here to find out their email.

Thank you for your support.