Union condemns BBC local radio plan

Trade unions have condemned a proposal under consideration at the BBC to axe much of its local radio output, arguing that "at least" 700 jobs could be put at risk.

The corporation is exploring options to reduce its local radio programming to just breakfast and drivetime shows, replacing everything else with content from Radio 5 Live.

Staff are due to be briefed today on the proposal, which forms part of the BBC's drive to save around £400m following last year's new licence fee settlement.

The National Union of Journalists has condemned the proposed move, claiming that it would "effectively sound the death knell for local radio".

According to the union, "at least" 700 jobs would be put at risk by the plans, along with the possible closure of some local radio stations.

"Local radio plays a crucial role in keeping local communities informed. These proposals would rip the heart out of local programming and effectively sound the death knell for local radio," said Jeremy Dear, the NUJ general secretary.

"The BBC's plans would be a blow to quality journalism at the BBC and fly in the face of public commitments to localism and transparency. Local radio programmes are produced by local people for local audiences yet these decisions are being taken far away from communities and behind closed doors."

He added: "The BBC must step back from the brink and protect local radio services. If they do not we will actively resist plans which threaten to inflict such devastating damage to local radio services."

The BBC operates around 40 local radio stations with an average combined weekly audience of 7.4 million listeners.

A spokesman for the BBC said: "No decisions have been made so it would be wrong to speculate. It is of course only right that BBC staff have an opportunity to input ideas about shaping the BBC's future.

"The sessions are designed to provoke discussion among staff about the way the BBC works and any decisions coming out of the process would be subject to approval by the BBC Trust."