The BBC Trust has announced a review of the corporation’s local radio and local news output.
The review comes as the BBC’s combined audience across all of its local radio stations fell by half a million, year on year, for the first three months of 2015.
The trust will also look at the BBC’s local news and current affairs programming on TV and radio across England, as well as online.
BBC Radio Merseyside broadcasting outside
It will consider how well audiences are served by the services, whether they are fit for the future and if they represent value for licence fee payers.
Mark Florman, trustee for England, said: “Our last review of local radio showed us how greatly valued the BBC’s local services are – they are a companion to many and a lifeline in local emergencies.
“We want to bring things up to date and hear from audiences what they think about their local BBC services on radio, television and online right now. We want to know what you think about the content, variety and quality of programming – your opinion matters, so please get in touch and tell us how well you think they are doing.”
The trust added: “Whilst not formally assessing market impact, the review will consider the BBC’s position in the local media environment and how its local news provision currently fits with that provided by others.
“The review will also look at whether local radio and local news is equipped for changes to listening and viewing habits, including responding to technological shifts.”
Anyone will be able to contribute to the review, using hashtag #localreview. The review will be published early next year.
