Local radio cuts: BBC told to review plans, BBC News
I moved to Lincolnshire from a lovely but “in between” place with no distinct identity of its own. Working in Local Government I soon realised the availability of a local radio linked to a rural place with a distinct identity was a huge communication boon: from knowing in the show whether our kids school was closed to having a mainstream link to promote our successes as a council and connect with our population. I was therefore really pleased to read that BBC Trust Chairman, Lord Patten, has apparently ordered the corporation to re-examine if its plans to cut £15 million and 280 jobs from 40 English radio stations will have a disproportionate impact on the BBC’s output and reputation. This follows a range of research published by the BBC Trust which looked at various aspects of the radio sector a Reviewof BBC Local Radio in 2011
According to Lord Patten Lord Patten: “Local and regional services in England provide something unique for audiences that can otherwise be neglected by the mainstream media. The BBC cannot afford to get these changes wrong.” From consumer debates to light relief – and You & yours to The Archers – the format of radio programmes communicates news, information, debates and issues affecting rural England to the wider public. It is important that this rural context is not overlooked by the corporation.