Fearne Cotton and Chris Evans to host first BBC Music Awards

The BBC has announced the launch of their very own music awards, which is set to become the broadcaster's second biggest annual music event, after their Glastonbury Festival coverage.

The event, which will take place on 11 December at London's Earls Court, will be hosted by Fearne Cotton and Chris Evans - and will unite music output on BBC One, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2. The awards will rival The BRIT Awards on its sheer scale, which is annually broadcast by the BBC's main rival, ITV. Prizes are known to include Artist Of The Year and Song Of The Year, with BBC presenters and producers voting for the awards' categories.

The show will, like The BRIT Awards, include a mixture of award presentations and performances from major name artists. The awards are part of the BBC's new music strategy, which includes promoting classic music to primary school pupils and an emphasis on music in the BBC's TV and radio programming.

"Today's the start of something very special for everyone who loves music," BBC director general Tony Hall said of the broadcaster's new policy.

"BBC Music is a celebration of the brilliant musical talent across our country. We'll be joining up music on television, radio, iPlayer and online like never before. There'll be new shows, new partnerships and whole new ways to enjoy music."