The government should invest in BBC local radio- not cut funding
The government should invest in BBC local radio- not cut funding
In October 2022 plans were announced for sweeping cuts to BBC Local Radio Programming- we oppose it!
Under these proposals the number of uniquely local programmes on England's 39 local BBC radio stations will reduce dramatically. Local programming will continue between 6am and 2pm on weekdays. Then after 2pm stations will share 18 more widely broadcast programmes.
After 6pm there will be 10 shared programmes, and there will be one national programme between 10pm and 6am. Uniquely local programming will also be reduced over the weekend.
BBC Local Radio connects people to their communities and keeps them informed of local issues and news in real time. To millions it is a lifeline, a primary source of company and the only means many residents have of finding out vital information in their area.
The Liberal Democrats are fiercely opposing these proposed cuts and are calling on the Government to fund the BBC properly and plug the estimated £295 million shortfall in BBC funding that is at the root of these proposals.
The changes will cut local programming after 2pm - with most shows after this point being broader regional or national broadcasts.
The announcement has met fierce criticism from across the political spectrum.
Liberal Democrat candidate, Alec Sandiford said:
"BBC Radio Stoke is a vital service for people. It helps residents stay connected to their local community, providing local news, culture, sport and weather updates, and gives residents an opportunity to have their say and participate in local debates through phone-ins. BBC Local Radio does this in a unique way that commercial radio cannot quite match.
" In the last couple of years, during the Coronavirus pandemic, the station was able to help spread important information, while also in many ways being the only source of company for those residents cut off from the rest of society. During the cost of living crisis local radio will play a similarly crucial role in spreading information about support services, warm banks and a number of other important lifelines for residents.
"BBC local radio also does a great job of holding decision makers to account - both local and national - as was demonstrated by the round of local interviews conducted with former Prime Minister Liz Truss on 29 September 2022.
"Most recognise that the BBC is being forced into cuts by successive Government freezes to the licence fee and the withdrawal of funding for free licences for over 75's.
"I call on the Government to fund the BBC properly so it can continue to deliver a full schedule of local radio programming across the UK - in addition to its planned expansion of digital radio services.
"I urge all North Staffordshire MPs to write to the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, to express our dismay at these proposed cuts to BBC local radio and to demand that the Government find a solution to cover the BBC's predicted £295 million funding shortfall by 2027.
"I also request that all North Staffordshire MPs write to the Director General of the BBC to celebrate the irreplaceable local service of BBC radio Stoke provides to residents and stresses our desire for its local programming to be protected and retained."