THE BBC is to press ahead next month with its plans effectively to
scrap four of its local radio stations, to achieve a more integrated
national service. But, in the face of regional objections, it has
conceded an additional five minutes of local news.
Radios Highland, Tweed, Solway, and Aberdeen will have four local news
slots: 6.55 to 7.00am; 7.50 to 8.00am including the extra five minutes;
12.55 to 1.00pm; and 4.55 to 5.00pm. Originally the BBC had planned to
restrict local news to four five-minute slots, but at its meeting on
Friday the Broadcasting Council for Scotland agreed to the extra time.
Sir Graham Hills, the chairman of the council, has written to
interested parties saying that the decision takes into account ''the
expressions of disquiet from Members of Parliament and from local
citizens''.
However, even with the additional five minutes, it will leave
Inverness-based Radio Highland with only 25 minutes of local news and
current affairs, compared to its current hour and 20 minutes. Its
general programmes will also go as the station loses its separate
identity, including its name.
Sir Graham made clear in his letter that change had to come: ''First I
have to say that the status quo is not an option. In spite of the
fondness and loyalty felt by many listeners to their community
programmes, the listening figures across Scotland, not least in the
local areas affected, do not justify the spending of public money to
support existing schedules.
''The management of BBC Scotland is certain that it can offer better
quality programmes, especially news programmes, including more
significant contributions by and from the community stations. This it
seeks to do by better integration of its news services across Scotland
by insisting on higher standards of programming and by encouraging the
community radio stations to play a different and bigger role in Radio
Scotland as a whole.
''The great majority of Scots, including those in the localities most
affected by the changes, do not listen to Radio Scotland's network or
local programmes. The silent majority in this debate is a large one
which we cannot overlook. It is the responsibility of the broadcasting
council to ensure the provision of the best programmes and the best
value for money for all Scotland.''
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