The BBC’s regional TV bulletins, local radio programming, and internet content are all being affected by a 24-hour strike on Wednesday and Thursday in England.
Since some local radio programmers were going to be merged, National Union of Journalists (NUJ) members who work for BBC Local have been protesting since 11:00 GMT.
The NUJ said the proposals would “undermine already hollowed out local radio programming across England”.
The BBC said it had “tried to minimize disruption as much as practicable”.
The BBC’s 39 local stations’ plans to share more programmers would “see no general decrease in staffing levels or local funding” and would “deliver even greater value to communities,” a BBC spokesperson said.
The majority of regional TV news programmers for the hours of 13.30, 18.30, and 22:30 are not scheduled to air in England due to the strike.
On Wednesday, a few regional radio stations aired a syndicated show shortly after 11:00. While many used stand-in hosts, some people continued to host their own programmes.
Over 1,000 employees are anticipated to participate, according to the NUJ. They will begin a continuous work to rule on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., following closely to the terms of their contract, such as not accepting additional responsibilities or working overtime.
‘Last resort’
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland’s programming are unaffected.
Staff considered the strike “a last option,” according to the union.
For our members, it’s not just a matter of employment and working conditions, according to NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet: “They strongly believe 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 reckless decision to use local radio budgets as a source of funding for its Digital First strategy runs the risk of undermining a crucial aspect of our public service broadcasting.”
The walkout on Wednesday falls on the chancellor’s budget day. The coronation, the Eurovision Song Contest, and additional strikes are all being discussed for the municipal elections in May.
The 39 English stations, some of which would share schedules between 14:00 and 18:00 with nearby stations while others would stay local, would each continue to air their own morning shows on weekdays under the BBC’s plans.
After 18:00, there would be 10 shared programmers and one all-England programme after 22:00. Also impacted will be production over the weekend.
‘Modernizing services’
The 39 BBC Introducing shows, which promote emerging musicians, will also be reduced to 20; however, additional timeslots will be added to guarantee that a variety of music can still be played.
Local newscasts and live sports coverage will continue, according to the BBC.
On Wednesday, a BBC representative stated: “We are clearly disappointed that the strike has continued. There will be no general decrease in staffing levels or local funding as part of our plan to modernize local services across England. Which will include adding more news journalists and boosting the local online service.
Our objective is to provide local services on TV, radio, and the internet that are even more valuable to communities.
We will keep communicating with the union and take every precaution to limit the effect on the employees.
In addition, the BBC plans to establish 11 investigative reporting teams across the nation, introduce specialized online services for Bradford, Wolverhampton, Sunderland. And Peterborough, and establish a new fund to commission local podcasts and original programming.
Separately, there have been recent demonstrations against cuts to Northern Ireland’s BBC Radio Foyle.
