A JOURNALISTS' union has demanded an explanation from the BBC after the corporation removed a presenter’s criticism of “deeply unpopular” local radio cuts.
BBC Norfolk presenter Sophie Little made headlines this week after she used the last episode of her cancelled show to brand the organisation “ableist and ageist”.
The NUJ has now expressed concern about the BBC’s editorial approach after it censored her two-minute speech in the BBC Sounds version of the programme.
Bosses have written to the organisation seeking answers, with many members said to be alarmed by its actions.
The union has also requested an equality impact assessment is carried out into the cuts with local radio staff now formally facing redundancy across England. The organisation is particularly worried about the number of disabled, black and women members of staff being served notice of redundancy.
The BBC – which is cutting and merging shows throughout the week on local stations – admitted it had not undertaken an equality impact assessment of local radio cuts on audiences, many of whom are elderly, disabled, not online or hard to reach.
Shows across 39 stations are disappearing altogether, with longstanding presenters, journalists and producers losing their jobs. Smaller numbers of newsreaders will be forced to pre-record bulletins that are set to be shared across the stations.
Paul Siegert, NUJ broadcast organiser, said: “These plans remain deeply unpopular among staff, audiences, politicians and communities across the country.
“We want to retain as much local programming as possible, and we absolutely want to see news kept live and local. Pre-recording 20 minutes before means news bulletins will miss any breaking stories and seriously undermine the quality of BBC local news.
“The NUJ is very concerned about the number of disabled, black and women members of staff being served notice of redundancy. By their own admission, BBC needs to do better on diversity of staff, particularly when it comes to disabled staff, yet we’re seeing little consideration given to members with disabilities facing distressing and complicated redeployment and redundancy situations.
“The impact on minority and vulnerable audiences is also considerable, as prompting many charities speaking out across the country. Nobody wants these changes, and the concerns of the listening public have been ignored.”
Little’s criticism came days after pre-legal action was launched by a charity working for blind and visually impaired people which believes the BBC is acting in breach of the Equality Act. Lawyers for blind radio listener Sarah Leadbetter have written to director general Tim Davie.
Back in June, Davie was quizzed by MPs on BBC staff demographics and in response to a question about the BBC pay gap increasing in all areas. He acknowledged the figures and said disability was an area “we need more people in senior roles and that is a challenge”.
The BBC has been approached for comment.
