Why is there no BBC Local News today? NUJ strike declared
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called a 48-hour strike from Wednesday that is expected to see 1,000 members leave BBC local radio stations.
The union is taking industrial action in a dispute over cuts to local radio services in England, with the station planning to “drastically reduce” production.
This means BBC local radio will have limited broadcasts on Wednesday and Thursday.
However, despite downsizing, the stations are still broadcasting, with some positions still filled.
This is what happened and why.
When are the local news strikes?
Around 1,000 NUJ members at local BBC radio stations will go on strike on Wednesday and Thursday.
A strike followed at BBC Northern Ireland on the day of the country’s election results on 19 May.
Why is the NUJ on strike?
The NUJ said negotiations with the BBC had “stalled”, adding that the proposals failed to address the union’s concerns about the impact of fewer services and an increase in joint programming.
In March, a vote was taken on strike action. Of those polled, 83 percent voted in favor of a strike and 17 percent against.
Paul Siegert, NUJ’s national broadcast organizer, said: “Journalists are striking to defend services valued by communities across the country.
“We are not opposed to change within the BBC but believe the way the Digital First strategy is being enforced will destroy access to relevant, local radio that so many depend on.”
“This 48-hour strike is about journalists standing up for local radio services and the public has rallied behind members in their fight to keep local radio stations local.”
What did the BBC say?
A BBC spokesman said: “We understand this is a difficult time of change for many colleagues and we will continue to support everyone affected by the plans to bolster our local online news and audio services.”
“Our goal is to provide a local service across television, radio and online that brings value to more people in more local communities.
“While the plans impact individual roles, we maintain our overall investment in local services and anticipate that our overall editorial staff across England will remain unchanged.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/why-no-bbc-local-news-nuj-strike-b1086118.html Why is there no BBC Local News today? NUJ strike declared
