BBC journalists across England will strike on the date local election results are revealed. The 24-hour strike will be held from midnight on Friday, May 5.
The industrial action is being taken in response to plans to slash local news coverage across BBC radio stations. The broadcaster wants local radio stations to share programmes across the network from 2pm on weekdays and at weekends. It would mean local programming would drop from 100 hours a week to just 40.
The plans will result in job losses across the country, with many journalists haeint to re-apply for their own jobs. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said the move will "kill off local radio".
Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting organiser, said: "Video didn’t kill off radio and nor will digital. We understand that digital services need to be improved but it shouldn’t come at the expense of local radio which is at the heart of the BBC’s public service remit.
"To go from over 100 hours a week of local programming on every radio station, down to just 40 is unacceptable. People want local relevant news that is accessible and NUJ members are prepared to stand up and fight for that. Once local radio stops being local then it is the beginning of the end and BBC bosses don’t have the right to destroy an institution that has existed for over 50 years.”
This is the second strike to take place in response to the BBC's plans. The first was carried out on March 15 - Budget Day. It was followed by journalists carrying out "work to rule" action - meaning they do not work extra hours or carry out additional tasks that are not part of their job description.
The BBC's plans are part of its strategy to develop its digital offering. However, the NUJ believes the figital services can be improved by working differently and using technological solutions. The union said it has approached arbitrator ACAS to see if it can broked an agreement with the BBC.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We’re disappointed that the industrial action is taking place. We have a plan to modernise local services across England - including more news journalists and a stronger local online service – which will see no overall reduction in staffing levels or local funding.
"Our goal is a local service across tv, radio and online that delivers even greater value to communities. We will continue to engage with the trade union and do everything possible to minimise the impact on staff.”
