Government “concerned” by BBC’s planned local radio cuts

The government has expressed its concern and disappointment after the BBC announced plans to cut local radio content in a cost-cutting exercise.

On Monday, the BBC revealed proposals, which would see majority of content across 39 local radio stations being merged with regional or national outputs.

Media minister Julia Lopez said there would be “serious questions” if the move to merge some programmes meant local content was not being delivered.

She said the BBC “plays a vital role in reflecting local experiences and delivering local news”.

Lopez added, “For those older residents living in rural areas, it can be a particular lifeline. The BBC must make sure it continues to provide distinctive and genuinely local radio services with content that reflects and represents people and communities from all corners of the UK.

“We recognise in the current fiscal context the BBC, like other organisations, is facing difficult financial decisions.

“But we are also concerned that the BBC is making such far-reaching decisions, particularly about its local news provision, without setting out further detail on how it will impact its audiences and the communities it serves.”

The changes would see local BBC radio stations sticking to their own scheduled between 06:00 – 14:00, followed by regional content and then one national output at 22:00.