![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/bbc-local-radio-faces-significant-cuts-to-programming/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127456225_gettyimages-1233031785.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesBBC local radio stations will have a significant number of programmes cut under new plans, the corporation has announced.All 39 networks in England will keep their current schedule from 6am to 2pm, but after that shows will be shared.There will be 10 local programmes between 6-10pm on weekdays, across the day on Saturday, as well as on Sunday mornings.Live sports programming will not be affected.There will be one "all-England" show from 10pm across the week, and on Sunday afternoons.These changes will result in the closure of about 48 staff posts, with the BBC explaining it wants to prioritise digital content.Media caption, Watch: TV licence freeze "will affect our frontline output"Rhodri Talfan Davies, director of Nations, said: "These are ambitious and far-reaching proposals to grow the value we deliver to local audiences everywhere. "The plans will help us connect with more people in more communities right across England - striking a better balance between our broadcast and online services - and ensuring we remain a cornerstone of local life for generations to come."The most recent listening figures published show a slight change in recent audience numbers listening to local radio in England.Rajar, the industry body, says 5.7m listened for at least five minutes in September 2022, compared with 5.5m in 2019 and 6.7m in 2012."That's more than Radio 1, more than 5 Live and a little bit less than Radio 2 so there's clearly still a desire for it," Paul Siegert, a spokesperson for the National Union of Journalists told the BBC."The moment it stops becoming local it becomes less popular. It has to stay local, people in Cornwall don't care what's going on in Devon." Media caption, Listen: Prime Minister Liz Truss grilled by BBC local radio stationsEarlier this year the BBC's director general Tim Davie warned services would need to be cut to make savings.The licence fee was frozen for the next two years by the government in January.The £159 a yea){kind=link}
BBC local radio stations will have a significant number of programmes cut under new plans, the corporation has announced.
All 39 networks in England will keep their current schedule from 6am to 2pm, but after that shows will be shared.
There will be 10 local programmes between 6-10pm on weekdays, across the day on Saturday, as well as on Sunday mornings.
Live sports programming will not be affected.
There will be one “all-England” show from 10pm across the week, and on Sunday afternoons.