Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

BBC Local Radio Services

Thursday 20 July 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The BBC needs to consider more people accessing content online and digitally, thus investing in digital areas.
  • The Government is disappointed by the BBC's decision to reduce local radio output.
  • Local radio is valued by many for traditional broadcasting needs, particularly in evenings and weekends.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is concerned about the reduction in BBC's local radio output, which she believes goes against digital expansion promises.

Question

What recent discussions has she had with the BBC board on changes to local radio services? I think that we all thought digital technology was meant to expand choice. However, recently, there have been closures of post offices, banks, and rail ticket offices, and the BBC is using similar arguments to justify reducing local radio. The BBC claims it wants to reach 50% of the population with its TV, radio, and online services after implementing digital plans, but their annual report already states they are at 50%. Why use this as justification for undermining local radio?

Answer from John Whittingdale

The BBC needs to consider more people accessing content online and digitally, thus investing in digital areas. However, there are still many who rely on traditional broadcasting and value local radio. The Government is disappointed by the BBC's decision to reduce local radio output.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about why the 50% target is used for justifying reductions was not directly addressed with a concrete explanation.

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Q2 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is concerned about digital advancements affecting local news access, especially for those who rely on traditional methods.

Question

Digital technology was meant to expand choice. However, there have been closures of post offices and rail ticket offices due to digital advancement, and now the BBC uses similar arguments to justify reducing local radio services. The 50% target is already met in annual reports but used as justification for cutting back local radio output. Shouldn't public service broadcasting include reaching everyone, not just those digitally enabled?

Answer from John Whittingdale

Many value traditional broadcasting like local radio, especially in evenings and weekends. The reduction of local radio output is concerning to many people who rely on it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about public service meaning reaching everyone was not directly addressed with a concrete commitment.

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Q3 Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP highlights the importance of local radio as a lifeline for elderly and isolated people, questioning how public service broadcasting should serve everyone.

Question

Local radio is crucial for many elderly and isolated individuals. What does the term 'public service' in the BBC's remit mean? Shouldn't it include reaching all with local news and information?

Answer from John Whittingdale

Local radio is valued by many for traditional broadcasting needs, particularly in evenings and weekends. The reduction of local radio output will concern many people who rely on it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about 'public service' meaning reaching everyone was not directly addressed with a concrete commitment.

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