Farron signs NUJ postcard as part of save BBC local radio campaign
Cumbrian MP, Tim Farron, has signed the National Union of Journalists' (NUJ) campaign postcard in response to the BBC's 'Delivering Quality First' consultation.
The postcard campaign, which is supported by the NUJ, Equity, the Musicians' Union, the Writers Guild and BECTU has been set up in response to the BBC's consultation over proposed drastic cuts to services across the board including cuts of up to 22% for local radio.
As a result of these proposals BBC Radio Cumbria will have its budget reduced by 20%, that would force the station to reduce by 9.4 Full Tim Equivalent posts which would equal 12-13 members of staff losing their jobs - around a third of the station's workforce. The station would also lose at least 50 hours of local programming every week as it is forced to share more programming with other local radio stations.
Tim has been campaigning for several months to save BBC Radio Cumbria and recently called on local residents to 'have your say' and send in responses to the consultation which closes on Thursday 21st December 2011.
Commenting this afternoon Tim said: "I've been overwhelmed by the number of local people and organisations that have come out in support of BBC Radio Cumbria - it is a true testament to the invaluable service they have provided to our county over the years.
"This postcard campaign demonstrates just how many people across the country care about vitally important role that BBC local radio plays in our daily lives, particularly in rural areas like Cumbria. I think it is now about time the BBC Trust listen to the voices of the majority and rethink their plans for local radio."