BBC Leicester Staff Strike Over Cuts To Local Radio

Staff at BBC Radio Leicester are striking over cuts to local radio services.

The 48-hour walkout by members of the National Union of Journalists started yesterday, with similar action taking place up and down the country.

The cuts will see more regional programming, with the NUJ saying it will result in less coverage of important local issues.

Under the changes, BBC Radio Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby will share programmes after 2pm on weekdays and there will be less locally-produced programmes at weekends.

The BBC says the changes, which will not affect sports coverage, are needed to strengthen its local online services.

Striking staff at BBC Radio Leicester  Pic: Supplied

Paul Siegert, the NUJ’s national broadcasting organiser, said: “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.”

BBC Radio Leicester staff have been protesting at a picket line outside their base on Jubilee Square in Leicester city centre.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We understand this is a difficult period of change for many colleagues and we will continue to support everyone affected by the plans to strengthen our local online services across news and audio.

“Our goal is to deliver a local service across TV, radio and online that offers more value to more people in more local communities.

“While the plans do impact on individual roles, we are maintaining our overall investment in local services and expect our overall level of editorial staffing across England to remain unchanged.”