Radio Ulster axes traffic news ‘out of the blue’
BBC Northern Ireland is axing its popular traffic and travel service, which has been an essential part of rush hour for thousands of commuters for more than two decades.
The service’s two presenters, Elaine Sutherland and Anne Jordan, are said to be shaken by the shock news, which was broken to them late last week.
Newsroom staff are also reported to be upset by the sudden decision to drop the service, which was suspended during lockdown.
A BBC insider told the Belfast Telegraph: “It has shocked and saddened everyone in the newsroom, especially as Elaine and Anne didn’t see it coming and it came out of the blue.
“They were told late last week and had no idea it was coming. People are also taken aback by the way it was done.
“It is such a popular public service with almost 40,000 followers on Twitter, many of whom were saddened when it had to be suspended during lockdown.”
The BBC has blamed the decision on “financial pressures” brought on by the Covid crisis.
Hundreds of listeners took to Twitter in March to lament the suspension of the service.
It was hoped that it would resume when schools returned this September.
Elaine and Anne have become known to thousands as the calm voices helping to ease the commute during the early morning and evening rush hours.
Their regular bulletins steered drivers away from stressful hold ups on our roads and also provided updates for those travelling by plane, train, and boat.
The pair constantly monitored 180 cameras dotted around our
major roads to ensure listeners knew of any issues.
Also covering Radio Foyle, their first report every day was made at 6am for early morning commuters and then updated every 10 to 15 minutes during the
breakfast programme.
They continued to keep us informed on the hour throughout the day until the 4pm Evening Extra news programme, when they provided 15 minute updates.
Their last report went out at 11pm. Both Elaine, who has been with the service for 10 years, and Ann for 18 years, were said by colleagues to be “gutted” by the news.
It is not known if their jobs are completely lost or if they will be offered alternative posts within the BBC.
A BBC insider said: “One of the reasons given was that people can now look up travel news on their phones but you can’t do that when you are driving.
“The ratings figures for Radio Ulster always peaked during rush hour so people just can’t understand why it’s going. There is no doubt it will be missed.”
Some of our biggest current media personalities have served in the traffic and travel hot seat over the years.
Newsreader Naomi Holland, TV and radio reporter Aileen Moynagh and BBC producers Colette Maguire and Dermot Wynne can all claim a stint with traffic and travel.
Neither of the current presenters Elaine nor Anne was available for comment.
A BBC spokesperson said: “This proposal reflects some of the financial challenges facing the BBC and other changes resulting from Covid-19.
“We have started consulting with affected staff members and will continue to ensure that BBC audiences have access to regularly updated traffic and travel information.”
❝ This proposal reflects some of the financial challenges facing the BBC resulting from Covid-19