Thursday’s late regional news was cancelled as industrial action at BBC Local looks set to continue in the coming weeks.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) confirms Thursday’s late regional news was cancelled because of ongoing work-to-rule action. BBC News was delayed until after 11pm due to overrunning coverage from Wimbledon; the work-to-rule means staff will not work overtime beyond 11pm.
Meanwhile, more widespread action will take place from 11am on Thursday 20th July for 24 hours. This will affect BBC Local Radio in England. Some regional news services on BBC One in England are also expected to be impacted once again.
The move will affect the BBC’s ability to cover a number of Parliamentary By-Elections due to take place that Thursday.
Staff are protesting against cuts to BBC local radio services in England. MPs from all parties have come forward to support the cause, urging Ofcom to ‘do its job’ and enforce the BBC’s remit to licence fee payers.
Previous industrial action resulted in BBC One broadcasting a late regional bulletin for London across most of England. Moreover, the bulletin was pre-recorded but made out to be live, which the NUJ says is against BBC guidelines.
Marc Thornham