Dear Supporter
I met with the BBC at the start of the month in a meeting with Chris Burns and Patrick Hart. They set out their plans for the future of BBC local radio and expressed enthusiasm for these and a view that they would increase airtime for Black and Asian communities and issues. I raised the concerns raised with me regarding the impact on Black and Asian workers and communities including having to reapply for job, job losses and freelancers being at the back of the queue. Also the watering down of content and taking away the amount of air time for a local focus that shared programming across regions will cause.
I asked about an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) and was advised that this sat with HR. I expressed concern that given any potential disproportionate, adverse impacts on race were on communities and listeners as well as workers, that consultation to inform EIAs was needed and that the EIA should be published.I was advised that they would follow up on the EIA and get back to me but I haven't received any update or seen any EIA since the meeting.
I expressed the importance in consulting those impacted and the recognised trade unions and my solidarity for the NUJ strike on local radio, which took place today.
When I fed back to some of those impacted, about the meeting, this response I received sums up the concerns that Black and Asian workers have about the BBC's plans:
"Shared regional shows diminish Black and Asian voices. Where will the space be to share stories on health, sport, music and arts in an already crowded space? The BBC seems to think they know Black and Asian voices but they have no clue. They talk at us and not to us and ignore important stories. People are too sacred to talk as they are bullied when they do. They claim they want new voices but they want Black and Asian voices who are subservient."
Those impacted talk about the plans being divisive and disrespectful.
In an article published by The Voice newspaper today (in which I am quoted) reports on fears of a mass exodus of Black and Asian staff and the loss of freelancers who have important connections with local communities and issues.
My thanks to The Voice for promoting our petition in that article.
Congratulations to the NUJ for their strike action today which disrupted regional programmes.
The NUJ said the proposals would "undermine already hollowed out local radio content across England".
Michelle Stanistreet, General Secretary of NUJ said:
“Staff are striking this week as a last resort - they are under no illusion that the BBC’s plans will undermine already hollowed out local radio content across England. It’s not simply a question about jobs and conditions for our members – they believe passionately in the value that quality local content brings to their audiences, journalism that is trusted and relied upon in the communities they serve. The BBC’s raiding of local radio budgets to fund its Digital First strategy is wrongheaded and risks undermining a vital part of our public service broadcasting. People want local relevant news that is accessible, and that should remain a core part of the breadth of BBC output."
Please continue to give your support for this campaign, some ways you can do this are:
- Send messages of solidarity to presenters of your local Black and Asian radio shows
- Share our petition with your networks and on social media. Use the hashtag #StopBBCBlackAsianradiocuts
- Write to your MP, you can use our template letter here
- Contact the BBC and ask for a copy of their Equality Impact Assessment
On social media you can connect with the BBC as follows;
Twitter: @bbc
Facebook: BBC
Instagram: @bbc
Thank you for your support.
Best Regards
Zita
Zita Holbourne
National Chair BARAC UK