Further disruption to local BBC TV and radio services across England expected throughout Wednesday and Thursday. Industrial action may result in some programmes being cancelled.
Journalists working across BBC Local will begin 48-hour strike action from Midnight on 7th June 2023 until 23:59 on 8th June.
Strikes on Wednesday and Thursday follow industrial action by journalists in March and periods of work-to-rule. Stalled negotiations with the BBC, have failed to address the National Union of Journalists’ concerns about the impact of fewer services, and an increase in shared programmes.
Previous strike action at BBC Local resulted in the majority of regional television news programmes across England being unable to air. Previously, only East Midlands Today and Spotlight remained on air.
The BBC wants to cut local radio to just 48 hours a week. Remaining programmes would be shared across multiple stations. There has been great controversy regarding the resulting HR process when existing presenters were forced to apply for one of the fewer remaining posts.
Paul Siegert, national broadcasting organiser, said:
“48 hours of weekly local radio programming is a disservice to the 5.7m weekly listeners who tune into BBC local radio. Journalists are striking in defence of services that are valued by communities across the country.
“We do not oppose change within the BBC but believe the manner in which the Digital First strategy is being enforced will destroy access to relevant, local radio that so many rely on. This 48-hour strike is about journalists standing up for local radio services, and the public have rallied behind members in their fight to keep local radio local.”
Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists will be holding a lobby of parliament on Wednesday. The cause has already attracted support from MPs across the political parties.
Marc Thornham