Beeb urged to save local radio

MPs yesterday urged the BBC to ‘reconsider’ its plans to overhaul local radio, saying it ‘risks undermining the sense of localness’ that makes it distinctive.

A report by the digital, culture, media and sport committee into the ‘sustainability of local journalism’ warned that the BBC’s ‘digital first’ strategy – prioritising online services – should not come at the expense of loyal listeners.

The BBC announced plans in October to increase programming sharing between different local radio stations.

The MPs said the plan to plough more money into online local news services could ‘risk harming commercial news publishers’ already going through tough times. The committee also said the quality and coverage of local news will ‘decline’ without ‘new support’ from Government.

Damian Green, of the DCMs committee, said: ‘The disappearance of local news providers... has ripped a hole in the heart of many communities.’