Aysu Bicer
20 July 2023•Update: 20 July 2023
LONDON
BBC journalists on Thursday are commencing a new strike in response to the ongoing dispute over reductions in local radio services.
Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) will initiate a 24-hour walkout, impacting the coverage of Thursday's three parliamentary by-elections, as stated by the union.
The BBC is set to cut local content by almost half, with many popular presenters losing their jobs or opting to quit.
The union said it is receiving huge public support for its campaign.
"This strike action will again have a huge impact on BBC Local output, with many stations and programs expected to be off air," said Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting organizer.
"NUJ members would much rather be working in newsrooms on Thursday and Friday, but the BBC's damaging plans for job cuts, slashing local radio and changing ways of working remain deeply unpopular, he added.
He also underlined that there are ways to protect and promote digital investment without cutting much-loved and valued local radio content.
"With an election around the corner, holding local politicians to account is more important than ever. Let's protect and promote BBC Local, not eviscerate it," he underlined.
According to NUJ, BBC members are facing high stakes, with numerous individuals at risk of compulsory redundancy and others encountering job changes.
The BBC's Digital First strategy aims to shift more local news online, despite a significant audience still relying on linear radio, particularly older and vulnerable individuals, as well as those who may not be digitally adept or lack strong digital connections.
"The NUJ believes the BBC, as a public service broadcaster, has a duty to include all license fee payers," it said.
Picket lines will be set up outside various local radio stations across England.
