The House of Commons culture, media and sport committee has expressed fears about the implications of the BBC’s current and continuing reorganisation of local radio.
In its final report on the government’s (then draft) media bill, the MPs said: “We continue to be concerned about the impact of the BBC’s Digital First strategy on linear TV and radio audiences.
“Sharing content across large areas risks undermining the sense of localness that has, until now, made BBC local radio distinct.
“We are similarly concerned that the direction of travel in linear TV provision could also diminish coverage for local audiences.
“While we recognise that the latest licence fee settlement is difficult for the BBC, its changes to local radio and local TV provision are evidence that the drive to prioritise digital strategies can often come at the expense of local audiences.”
While the committee’s acknowledgement of the impact of the BBC’s local radio changes is encouraging, the “continuing concern” rather than a call for any particular action to halt or assess the wider implications of the BBC’s digital first strategy is itself worrying.
While primarily considering imminent legislation, the report missed an opportunity to be more forthright about the effectiveness of Ofcom and the reluctance of BBC executives to acknowledge widespread political and public dismay about cuts to local radio programmes.
How the committee reacts once the changes have been fully implemented remains to be seen.