Bectu responds to BBC local radio cuts, Oxford and Cambridge TV operations closures

Today’s ‘Local Value for All’ announcement from BBC England outlines the overall strategy and basis of how it plans to move to ‘digital first’ – plans for which were first announced in May. Read more about the strategy here.  

Multimedia newrooms will be key to achieving the strategic goals, merging TV, radio and online news teams into one newsroom that can provide output for all three strands.  

An overall reduction of 48 roles is expected, and plans for implementation will take place over the next seven months. 

BBC England is consulting with unions. Bectu is actively engaging with the BBC on the strategy and will work with the BBC to minimise redundancies wherever possible. 

BBC England has made clear to the unions, the need to make difficult decisions to finance the move away from linear TV to digital. They have also announced the closure of We Are England and also confirmed Oxford and Cambridge TV operations will close mid-December.  

These closures will have direct consequences on Bectu operational staff based there as local redeployment opportunities will be minimal. Since initial announcements in May regarding the BBC’s proposals to go ‘digital first’, we have stressed the potential negative impact of these decisions, particularly on the lives of our members in Oxford and Cambridge, and the subsequent impact on audiences. 

Union consultation will continue but so far suggested alternatives have not proved viable.  

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: 

“This announcement and the periods of uncertainty that will follow are extremely concerning. The impact on affected staff is devastating and we will do everything we can to support our members. 

“The Government’s decision to freeze the licence fee has made these damaging cuts inevitable. Behind the political shrill about the BBC is the reality of today’s announcement: talented and hardworking people who deliver local services face job losses, and audiences and communities will suffer from reduced local output and ultimately a reduced BBC. 

“Just last month we saw how important public service broadcasting and local radio are to our democracy via Prime Ministerial interviews. This disappointing move reinforces the need for a licence fee that keeps pace with inflation and enables long-term planning and stability. 

“As the BBC seeks to meet the challenges of a changing media landscape Bectu will continue to fully engage with them to ensure the public service broadcaster is positioned strongly for the future and can continue to deliver for the public and provide security for its workforce.” 

Support for members 

In already incredibly difficult times, we know these announcements and periods of uncertainty are very challenging for our members. 

If you need support, contact your local rep or [email protected]

Do you have a friend or colleague at the BBC? 

Union membership is more important than ever, giving people a voice in this period of change. 

During Union Week, 7-11 November 2022, your colleagues can join Bectu at the discounted rate of £7.50 per month for the first year if paying by Direct Debit.

Defending our public service broadcasters 

The choices the BBC makes is determined by the funding available and reinforces the need for a robust BBC funding model going forward. 

Bectu has recently launched our ‘Licence to More’ campaign, find out more here.