Local BBC Disrupted by 24-Hour Strike Over Radio Cuts

The BBC's regional TV bulletins and local radio and online output in England are being disrupted by a 24-hour strike on Wednesday and Thursday.

National Union of Journalists (NUJ) members working for BBC Local started the action at 11:00 GMT in response to plans to merge some local radio shows. The NUJ said the proposals would "undermine already hollowed out local radio content across England".

The BBC reports plans for its 39 local stations to share more shows would "see no overall reduction in staffing levels or local funding" and deliver "even greater value to communities", a BBC spokesperson said.

The strike means most 13.30, 18.30 and 22:30 regional TV news programs across England are not expected to be broadcast.

Shortly after 11:00 on Wednesday, some local radio stations broadcast a syndicated program. Others kept their own shows, although many used stand-in hosts.

The union said staff saw the strike as "a last resort".

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: "It's not simply a question about jobs and conditions for our members - they believe passionately in the value that quality local content brings to their audiences, journalism that is trusted and relied upon in the communities they serve.

"The BBC's raiding of local radio budgets to fund its Digital First strategy is wrongheaded and risks undermining a vital part of our public service broadcasting."

Under the BBC's proposals, the 39 English stations would keep their own weekday morning programs but then share 20 afternoon weekday shows, with some stations sharing schedules between 14:00-18:00 with neighboring stations and others remaining local.

There would be 10 shared shows after 18:00 and a single all-England program after 22:00. Weekend output will also be affected.