Mayor joins call for BBC cuts rethink

LOCAL government leaders including Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees have urged the director general of the BBC to “rethink” the corporation’s proposed cuts to its radio stations.

In a letter to Tim Davie, the 90 Labour leaders from England said they are “concerned” about the “potential impacts” on communities that value local radio as a “vital public service”.

The local leaders wrote that BBC local radio’s role played a “critical part” during the panpublic demic as they shared public health messages with residents.

The letter also cited local radio’s “fair” approach to democratic scrutiny, its reporting on local elections and councils, the help it provides police in communicating to the public and “key matters” like the NHS and local sport.

“We are concerned at the potential impacts these proposals will have on the service to the residents and communities we represent who value this vital service,” the leaders said.

Proposals confirmed by the broadcaster include the loss of 48 jobs across local staffing in England. The BBC needs to save a further £285 million in response to January’s announcement that the licence fee will be frozen for the next two years.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, BBC director of nations, previously said of the proposals: “They will ensure our network of local services, across TV, radio, online and Sounds, offer more value.”