Don’t let local radio fade away
Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood has joined the campaign to keep BBC local radio local.
He was pictured holding a sign saying KEEP BBC LOCAL RADIO LOCAL backstage at the Albert Hall – the photograph was tweeted by DJ Nicky Horne.
An NUJ rep said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from a true rock legend such as Ronnie. There’s still an opportunity for the BBC to ensure that Local Radio can thrive and Not Fade Away. We’re still a long way from saying It’s All Over Now – and management could easily halt these devastating cuts before they are Out of Time. They should be under no illusion that this won’t be The Last Time we ask them to think again. 5.4 million listeners know that Local Radio provides real Satisfaction.”
The campaign to prevent the BBC making local radio stations share programmes from 2pm and at weekends has had huge support from MPs, councillors, local communities, listeners, the National Federation of the Blind and National Pensioners Convention. Now the campaign has gained a little showbiz glitter from the rock musician and member of the Rolling Stones.
Journalists in local radio, regional TV and online in England will be going on 48-hour strike on Wednesday7 June and Thursday 8 June and holding an event in Parliament on Wednesday 7 June. While the BBC had made some concessions in talks brokered by the arbitrator ACAS, NUJ reps said they did not go far enough to provide a proper service for the 5.7m loyal local radio listeners.