Caroline Pidgeon AM has written to the Director General of the BBC, expressing serious concern at the proposed cuts to BBC Radio London which will greatly reduce local news coverage at evenings and weekends.
Caroline said:
"It seems short-sighted to reduce local radio programming when you claim commitment to what will be left of the BBC's local offer. The less local content, the less relevant the station, and the less reason there is for listeners to engage. ...
"With nearly half of Radio London's listening coming from less affluent audiences, and over a quarter of listeners from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, there is a role for local radio in promoting inclusivity. In addition, many listeners are not "digitally affluent" and may lack easy access to high speed broadband or smart phones. The cost of living crisis will make it harder for these listeners to transfer. They will be left with much-reduced local news coverage and shows about the city in which they live in and about which they care. ...
"We urge you to think again about this reduction of a crucial local service to our capital city and its communities."
