BBC moves ahead with plans to reduce local programming at Radio Gloucestershire

The BBC has confirmed it will move ahead with plans which will see local programmes on BBC Radio Gloucestershire drastically reduced.

In October last year proposals to modernise BBC local services were set out which will affect 43 areas across the country.

In order to achieve the changes, greater programme sharing outside of peak hours on local radio was proposed. Now, following feedback from staff and audiences, adjustments have been made to increase the number of afternoon and weekend programmes across the BBC’s 39 local stations.

Future plans for dedicated programming on BBC Local Radio for Black and Asian audiences have also been announced. The much-loved community programmes shows will become more accessible by moving from their traditional single Sunday evening slot to new programmes on Monday and Friday evenings. The number of stations featuring community programming will increase from 20 to 33.

BBC Radio Gloucestershire will only produce local programmes between 6am and 2pm during the week and 10am until 2pm on weekends. It will share regional and nationally broadcast programmes outside of these hours.

Jason Horton, Director of Production, BBC Local, says: “Our goal over the next 12 months is to modernise our BBC Local services in England to strengthen our online provision for communities across the country. We have listened carefully to the feedback we have received about proposed changes to BBC Local Radio programming. As a result, we are making a number of amendments to the original plan in order to strike the best possible balance between live and on-demand services.”

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