Stuart GouldenWith the BBC Trust public consultation on proposals to reduce the broadcasters entire budget by 20% over the next five years due to close today, York’s leading cultural, educational, and public-sector authorities have expressed their collective backing of its local BBC radio station, BBC Radio York.
We reported back in October that BBC Radio York, which serves 94,000 listeners a week in the region, is facing an annual budget cut of several hundred thousand pounds, translating to an estimated 8 job losses at the Bootham studio and the introduction of more syndicated programming.
The last-minute plea comes in the form of a letter from council leader James Alexander (as reported by The Guardian) which is co-signed by York’s chief executive, the city’s two university vice-chancellors, the heads of York economic partnership, the city’s teaching hospital, the council for voluntary service, Theatre Royal, tourist board, York Grand Opera, York Museums Trust, the chief fire officer and the deputy chief constable of North Yorkshire police.
The letter in full:
The City of York Council wishes to express its profound concern at the proposed cuts to local radio broadcasting and in particular to BBC Radio York.
We believe the quality and reach of this award-winning station add enormous value to our communications with residents: the cuts proposed would have a significant impact on both our and the station’s services towards democratic accountability, public information, community cohesion and education.
With some 100,000 adult listeners, BBC Radio York is the only local broadcast media outlet that draws York and North Yorkshire together. The station gives people a voice, promoting engagement and debate with both local and national news.
Furthermore, with increasing pressures on commercial local media outlets and in the light of NatCen Social Research’s recent British Social Attitudes survey, it actively encourages participation in local democracy and in delivering democratic accountability.
The station also plays a pivotal role in promoting community cohesion by encouraging participation in cultural and sporting events which have economic implications for the city. And with half of BBC Radio York’s audience aged over 50 and in the C2DE demographic, the radio station provides contact and information for less engaged and older residents – particularly those in remote areas – and at a time of enormous pressures on adult social services.
Complementing two universities and outstanding standards of education in York, the BBC’s high quality internships and training ensure a new generation of excellent journalists to continue these standards and services.
Stringent budget cuts for local authorities increase the value of our partnership with the station. We believe BBC Radio York should not have its broadcasting cut: it is at the heart of our city and we urge you to instead to maintain its strength and position.
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As license fee payers and the audience of the BBC, we have every opportunity to shape the future direction of local radio. Whatever your opinion on the matter, you have until the end of the to exercise it – simply fill out the form on the BBC Trust website.
