BBC local radio output hit by cost cutting drive
Hundreds of hours of local radio programming are likely to be silenced in the aftermath of the latest round of cost cutting at the BBC – according to reports in the guardian.
The moves will see some (possibly all) programming broadcast outwith the peak hours of breakfast and drivetime syndicated between neighbouring stations in a bid to make economies of scale.
Further cost savings could be obtained by sharing football commentaries – axing an often partisan local commentary team which are dispatched to every game.
The move to “regionalise” the BBC’s local output have been dreamt up by the BBCs own Delivering Quality First Initiative, which faces the task of trimming 20% of budgets from throughout the corporation.
Meetings between trustees of the initiative and staff are ongoing with a final announcement expected to be made in early October.