Plan goes against local radio definition

THE news that BBC local radio across the country is replacing afternoon broadcasts with a service covering a wider area, which will result in job losses, was both shocking and upsetting.

Since its inception in 1971, Radio Derby has been our anchor, lifeline and champion for local issues. More importantly, the presenters, with a strong supporting crew in the engine room, have steered us through the good and bad times, sometimes dreadful episodes such as the pandemic.

They are local folk, with local knowledge and a love for the area burnt into their souls since birth. Above all, they have become our friends. Firm friends, reliable friends, not just appearing at the turn of a switch but out on our streets, smiling and approachable.

To start losing these people and their output in order to provide a homogenised service covering areas which we have no great interest in goes against the definition of local radio.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, national director, cites “proposals to give value to local audiences everywhere”. Well, Rhodri mate, we get value right now. This is all about cost cutting. So how about removing a national TV newsreader or a TV presenter?

Their multi-million pound salaries would cover the wages of the poor 48 people fearing for their jobs.

Local radio is important, especially for the less tech-savvy elderly who aren’t interested in more “online digital content”.

They want local programmes with local presenters. Otherwise it’s like me going in my local and ordering a pint, not poured by my friendly barmaid but someone in a pub in Cheadle and delivering it by Yodel.

I urge anyone in Derbyshire, listener or not, to register your objections on the BBC website at bbc. co.uk/contact/complaints .

Save our station. Please.

Viv Wigley,

Mackworth