BBC radio chiefs’ “hypocrisy” over congratulating journalists under threat
The NUJ would like to nominate the heads of BBC local radio for an award in hypocrisy in congratulating presenters who won the jury prize at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards (BPGA), while at the same time putting their jobs at risk.
The local radio presenters were recognised for a set of forensic interviews of Liz Truss, then Prime Minister. Grant Tucker the chairman of the BPG said: "There is no doubt that the PM's feet were held to the fire in these eight radio sessions in a way that stood out among so much drama that was happening in British politics last summer."
Rima Ahmed from BBC Radio Leeds, James Hanson from BBC Radio Bristol, Graham Liver from BBC Radio Lancashire, Anna Cookson from BBC Radio Kent, John Acres from BBC Radio Stoke, Chris Goreham from BBC Radio Norfolk, Sarah Julian from BBC Radio Nottingham and Amy Oakden from BBC Radio Tees won the award.
Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting officer, said:
“I can’t believe BBC managers decided to send a note of congratulations to the very same presenters who are now having to apply for their own jobs. These hollow words have added insult to injury. I certainly congratulate them on showing the best of local journalism, representing their local communities and holding power to account. This is exactly the sort of journalism that should be preserved, not cut. The BBC must now change their plans which will kill off local radio.”
The corporation plans to share programming across the radio network in England, giving its 5.7m listeners a much reduced service. The journalists held a day’s strike early this month on Budget day, and plan to take further action as part of the dispute to save local radio. The journalists are now working to rule which severely disrupted the last night’s TV bulletin with virtually all 11 regions affected one way or another.