MPs’ call to protect local politics shows

MEDIA: Labour MPs in Yorkshire and the Humber have issued a call for the BBC to protect local political and current affairs programmes, saying they provide an “essential role”.

The demand comes amid a BBC review into regional programming and reports of planned cuts to the programmes Inside Out and Politics North.

LABOUR MPs in Yorkshire and the Humber have today issued a call for the BBC to protect local political and current affairs programmes, saying they provide an “essential role”.

The demand comes amid a BBC review into regional programming and reports of planned cuts to the award-winning television programmes

Inside Out and Politics North.

Signed by 28 MPs across the region, the letter urges the BBC to support regional programming and avoid important issues being confined to a “Westminster bubble”.

It follows revelations that the BBC will have to find £125m in savings this year, caused by fewer people paying for their TV licences during the pandemic and a delay to the reintroduction of TV licence fees for over-75s.

All non-essential recruitment at the broadcaster will be put on hold as part of cost-cutting measures, and senior leaders will take a pay freeze until August 2021, the BBC has said.

The letter, signed by MPs

across all four counties, asked the BBC for “clarity” on its plans, stating: “Too often, politics is seen as remote; important issues confined to a Westminster bubble – but it is our job and yours to prove that that is not the case.

“It is critical that our local councils are scrutinised and held accountable, but also given a voice. Our local reporters, who live and work in the community, provide invaluable insight and analysis into local decision making and its impact on residents across the region.

“These BBC programmes provide agenda-setting reporting, as well as a platform for MPs, councillors and candidates to highlight issues and debate ideas, within a regional context. It is essential the BBC guarantee such a platform exists in regional programming.”

It follows a similar letter written by the National Union of Journalists last week, which was signed by broadcasters Stephen Fry and Sir Lenny Henry, presenter Fern Britton, actor Dominic West, naturalist Chris Packham, writer and actor Daisy May Cooper, poet Benjamin Zephaniah, director Ken Loach and broadcaster Gloria Hunniford.

Inside Out was broadcast in 11 regions, covering stories and issues affecting those areas.

The nine-episode series was slated to return in September with each region filming its own versions.

It is understood that the BBC will save about £3m by scrapping the programme.