Unsigned UK acts to get primetime R1 exposure. (Talent).

Radio One is preparing to give daytime exposure to six unsigned British artists in January, in the first of several planned weeks next year dedicated to new homegrown talent.

The acts, who are being selected via demos sent through a specially-set-up link on the Radio One website, will be added to a specially-created OneMusic Unsigned playlist running during the week beginning January 10 and giving each of them five to six plays on the station.

The week-long project follows the station's OneMusic day in May which gave airtime to selected new UK artists. Music policy editor Alex Jones-Donelly says there was so much material arising from the day that the decision was made to extend it to a week.

He adds, "The quality across the board is as you would expect of any demos--there are highs and lows--but there's enough quality in there to fill six playlist spots; it's quite a commitment. I'm confident we're going to have a hard job deciding because they're so good."

The acts chosen will go through the same selection process as any other wing for a place on the playlist, while Jones-Donelly promises they will all be given daytime plays. "I'm very much looking to commit to these records and artists by giving them the opportunity to be heard in daylight hours because that's important," he says.