Opposition to radio station 'cuts' grows
A CAMPAIGN opposing cuts at BBC Radio Foyle is gaining momentum with an open letter - signed by MPs, MLAs, church, community and business leaders and sporting figures - sent to the media.
The campaign objects to what its sees as a run-down of the Londonderry station and BBC neglect of the north west.
The letter reads: "We, the undersigned, object in the strongest possible terms to the BBC's proposed cuts to Radio Foyle's programmes and staff.
"As a local public service broadcaster, the station is uniquely placed to reflect the affairs of the north west. The proposed cuts - the News At One, Sean Coyle, 3-5Live, Saturday Sport and Saturday Club - raise serious doubts over the BBC's commitment to local broadcasting and the future of the station."
The letter also claims licence fee-payers in the area are being treated less favourably.
"A reduction in Radio Foyle's dedicated output disenfranchises licence fee-payers here. We call on the BBC to withdraw the planned cuts at Radio Foyle and to safeguard and invest in the service instead.”
A leading signatory to the letter is East Londonderry DUP MP Gregory Campbell.
Fellow MPs Mark Durkan and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also signed the letter.
Mr Campbell said: “The concern is that eventually, over a period of time, this may lead to the closure of the station or, if not closure, a reduction to virtually a skeleton staff.”
He said the outlet was vital to the region.
“The advantage of any local station anywhere in the UK is that it gives a local outlet to local people, community activists, politicians and business people and allows a local outsourcing of news and that will be reduced if newsgathering is made more centralised.
“It’s ironic that the rest of the UK is going in a different direction with the BBC in London investing in other centres, such as Manchester.”
Mr Campbell said he wanted more investment in Radio Foyle, not less.
“I’d prefer to see a better invested, localised radio station being even more prepared to listen to all sections of opinion because sometimes, in the past, Radio Foyle has been accused of not accurately reflecting the feelings of the unionist population.
“That’s not a reason to emasculate the station, but to invest in it so that it reflects the opinions across the community.”
A statement from a BBC spokeswoman yesterday said that no final decisions had been made.
“Discussions are ongoing with staff and the trade unions about a range of proposals affecting different aspects of BBC NI’ s work.
“Our ambition in looking at these options is to find ways of optimising the impact and benefits of licence fee investment for all audiences.”
The statement said listeners would be kept informed, but fell short of ruling out the changes objected to by the campaigners.
It said: “BBC Radio Foyle is an important part of the BBC’s local service portfolio and any adjustments that we make will be designed to build on its established strengths and to unlock its full potential.
“Its programme portfolio should always be evolving to reflect the needs and interests of its audience and we will take care to ensure any changes in this area are based on detailed research.”
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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