BBC journalists have announced a second 24-hour strike from midnight on Friday May 5, coinciding with the forthcoming local elections, over cuts to local radio.
The previous BBC staff strike took place at the same time as the government announced the budget in March. The action is taking place as a result of plans to share programmes across the local radio network from 2pm on weekdays and at weekends, going from more than 100 hours of local programming on every radio station every week, down to 40. The plans will also result in job losses and the NUJ reports that journalists are now having to re-apply for their own jobs.
The BBC notes that a number of new digital jobs will be created under the plan, but the NUJ union says the proposals will slowly kill off local radio, which has 5.7m loyal listeners.
Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting organiser, said: “Video didn’t kill off radio and nor will digital. We understand that digital services need to be improved but it shouldn’t come at the expense of local radio which is at the heart of the BBC’s public service remit. To go from over 100 hours a week of local programming on every radio station, down to just 40 is unacceptable. People want local relevant news that is accessible and NUJ members are prepared to stand up and fight for that. Once local radio stops being local then it is the beginning of the end and BBC bosses don’t have the right to destroy an institution that has existed for over 50 years.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We’re disappointed that the industrial action is taking place. We have a plan to modernise 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 minimise the impact on staff.”
