Bectu responds to closure of River City

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said responding to the announcement of the closure of River City:

“The closure of River City is incredibly disheartening. The loss of such a long-running production is devastating for the workers impacted and for the local industry. The production served as a training ground for industry talent and provided important work opportunities for TV crew in Scotland.

“It’s hugely disappointing to see creative jobs lost in Scotland, a place which reflects the fantastic diversity the BBC should be representing. Many of those who work on River City are freelancers, for whom this news will be a particular blow given the ongoing uncertainty in the UK’s production sector and precarious employment prospects.

“Bectu will fully engage with the BBC over these changes and we will be encouraging the BBC to consider how they can replace lost work with high quality jobs on any new commissions and deliver on the Director General’s commitment to bringing productions and work to the regions.

“It’s worth noting this decision follows the cancellation of Doctors, another programme which was vital for developing regional talent. As viewing habits change, broadcasters rightly have to make tough decisions, but it’s imperative that the impact on the workforce and the diversity of the industry is accounted for.”