The BBC’s regional TV bulletins, local radio shows, and online content in England have been disrupted by a 24-hour strike that took place on Wednesday and Thursday. Members of the National
Union of Journalists (NUJ) working for BBC Local initiated the strike at 11:00 GMT on Wednesday, in response to proposals to merge some local radio programs. The NUJ stated that the proposals would “undermine already hollowed out local radio content across England.”
A BBC spokesperson said that they had “tried to minimize disruption as much as possible,” and that the plans to have the 39 local stations share more shows would deliver “even greater value to communities” without reducing staffing levels or local funding. The strike meant that the 13:30, 18:30, and 22:30 regional TV news programs across England were not expected to be broadcast. Some local radio stations broadcasted syndicated programs, while others continued their shows with stand-in hosts.
The NUJ expected that more than 1,000 staff members would take part in the strike, and when it ended at 11:00 on Thursday, they would then start a continuous work-to-rule action, strictly adhering to the requirements of their contract, such as not taking on extra duties or overtime. Programming in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland was not affected.
The union claimed that staff saw the strike as “a last resort.” NUJ General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet stated that “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.”
Wednesday’s walkout coincided with the Chancellor’s Budget day. Further strikes are being considered for the May local elections, the Coronation, and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Under the BBC’s proposals, the 39 English local radio stations would maintain their weekday morning programs but then share 20 afternoon weekday shows, ten shows after 18:00, and a single all-England program after 22:00. Weekend output would also be affected. The 39 BBC Introducing shows, which help to discover up-and-coming musicians, would also be cut to 20, but with extra timeslots to ensure a broad range of music could still be played. The BBC has stated that local news bulletins and live sports programming would be maintained.
A BBC spokesperson said on Wednesday that “we are obviously disappointed that the strike has gone ahead. We have a plan to modernize local services across England – including more news journalists and a stronger local online service – which will see no overall reduction in staffing levels or local funding. Our goal is a local service across TV, radio, and online that delivers even greater value to communities. We will continue to engage with the trade union and do everything possible to minimize the impact on staff.”
Protests have also taken place recently regarding proposed cuts to BBC Radio Foyle in Northern Ireland. Photo by grahamc99 from London, UK, Wikimedia commons.