Well fT - it would be great if it wasn't necessary, and actually as far as folk radio shows go it isn't - because the people who run them are all absolutely wonderful about listening to (almost) everything (a herculean task), and playing what they like (and that's fact, not flattery). But in the areas where folk music interacts with mainstream media and the 'mass' market (a strange awkward nether world in my experience) then you have to play by their rules - and those have been shaped by market forces over time. It does mean that only people with money behind them (wherever it's come from) are able to benefit, but it was ever thus with 'product.' To a certain extent the Peter Principle applies. If you good enough (and willing to play ball) you'll get backing and the rest. If you're not, well, you have to do it yourself as best you can, like me.

Have you tried The Music Well (formerly RadioBritfolk)?

It does cost a little - but then things mostly do.

Tom