Artists in the Flemish region of Belgium are calling for an introduction of a quota that forces local radio stations to play a certain amount of music from artists who perform in the local Dutch language.
A recently founded association for Flemish artists, the VLAPO, says that while domestic artists are already enjoying some chart success, the local government should make it a condition of local radio stations' licences that they commit to play a minimum amount of music in the local language.
Luc Appermont from the VLAPO told reporters: "For many years now, we have seen that our public radio is reducing airplay attention for [Flemish language] domestic artists. For a public broadcaster, paying attention to all kinds of music is essential".
There are already some rules in place regarding the commitment radio stations have to make to local artists, but some in the artist community claim the broadcasters get round the rules by applying them to their group rather than individual stations, so one station can play little local talent providing another plays more. There is also some disagreement over what does and does not constitute a Flemish band.
Local government officials have stressed they appreciate the importance of championing Flemish language music on local radio, and that they will look into the possibility of expanding the commitments radio stations make.