Cleethorpes MP slams cuts to local radio

Cleethorpes MP slams cuts to local radio

Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has spoken out against a number of cuts which were announced yesterday and which impact local BBC radio stations including BBC Radio Humberside.

Announcing the news, the BBC said that while local news bulletins and live sports programming would be maintained, regional stations programmes will be reduced.

They said: “All 39 BBC Local Radio stations will continue with their own dedicated local programming from 6am to 2pm on weekdays.

“Since 2020 all local stations have broadcast three daytime programmes on weekdays (6am to 6pm), this will now reduce to two on many of our smaller stations.”

The decision, which means a number of broadcasters will have to reapply for their jobs and which will leave many out of work, has been met with widespread upset.

Now, Martin Vickers has slammed the decision referring to it as “another own goal” for the BBC.

Speaking in parliament yesterday he said:  “This is yet another own goal by the BBC, with no consultation and no dialogue with Ministers. The email that Members received referred to ‘changing audience expectations’.”

Addressing Julia Lopez, Minister of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, he continued: “Actually, what thousands of my constituents expect is to be able to press a button and listen to Radio Humberside, which their radios are permanently tuned to. In the short term, may I urge her to get the BBC to drop these proposals?

“She referred to the charter review. As negotiations about the charter continue, may I urge her to emphasise that local radio is key to BBC provision?”