The BBC has once again found itself the subject as well as the broadcaster of news in recent months, with controversial plans for local radio cuts having caused strikes and the departure of high-profile presenters. The plans affect local radio services across the country, but significant impacts have been seen in our part of the world at BBC Radio Nottingham.
Despite protests continuing, the BBC says its local radio plans are about the corporation making "smart" financial decisions as audiences seek new forms of media. But it is on this matter where the BBC's plans could cause adverse effects outside the corporation. Trust in our journalism is rising too. A recent survey found 81 per cent of Brits agree that they trust the news and information they see in their local news media – a rise of seven per cent on 2018.
It's no exaggeration to say that some local news titles may be forced to close if the 'Across the UK' plans are not stopped, leading to the BBC becoming the lone voice in some local communities. A voice, by the way, that doesn't have the same freedom to campaign on your behalf like we do, because of impartiality requirements.
But, because of the enormous power of the licence fee, the BBC's 'Across the UK' plans are the exact opposite of fair competition. Under the plans, online readers – and the commensurate advertising revenues which we use to pay our local journalists – will be sucked away from our websites to the BBC's.
Enshrined in a Royal Charter, guardrails which are supposed to prevent the BBC misusing its power in this way have completely failed. So, we need your help to tackle this problem.