Journalists at BBC Radio Shropshire are taking part in industrial action over the BBC’s plans to dramatically reduce local radio services across England.
Around 1,000 National Union of Journalists members across the country commenced 48-hour strike action at midnight with local programming and news output across BBC local radio affected.
The strike action, taking place today and tomorrow, follows industrial action by journalists in March and stalled negotiations with the BBC, whose proposals have failed to address the NUJ’s concerns about the impact of fewer services, and an increase in shared programmes.
Elaine Muir Rep for the BBC Shropshire branch of the NUJ said: “We understand the need to improve the digital output, and we are keen to make sure that happens, but we think there are better ways to go about it than cutting so much of Shropshire specific output.
“How can local radio be called local when it’s actually regional? After 2pm on weekdays the programme will be shared between Shropshire, Stoke and Hereford and Worcester, and at weekends the breakfast shows will be West Midlands wide-going from serving a potential audience of around 435,000 to 6 million.
“We love local radio, and we are striking to protect as much of our local output as we can because it matters not just to us but to our friends our families and the communities where we live right here in Shropshire.”
Paul Siegert, national broadcasting organiser, said:
“48 hours of weekly local radio programming is a disservice to the 5.7m weekly listeners who tune into BBC local radio. Journalists are striking in defence of services that are valued by communities across the country.
“We do not oppose change within the BBC but believe the manner in which the Digital First strategy is being enforced will destroy access to relevant, local radio that so many rely on.
“This 48-hour strike is about journalists standing up for local radio services, and the public have rallied behind members in their fight to keep local radio local.”
Last week, BBC journalists passed a vote of no confidence in the BBC Local senior leadership team. 93 per cent of those surveyed indicated they no longer had trust in the team amid the ongoing dispute.
The NUJ is holding a lobby of parliament on 7 June, with MPs also meeting journalists from across English reasons in the House of Commons.
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