Last week the National Union of Journalists organised a public meeting in the Guildhall, Derry to discuss proposed changes to at BBC Radio Foyle. The meeting, hosted by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council was in response to the overwhelming public reaction against the decision to end the morning breakfast show and the changes in Northwest news bulletins.
The attendance of 250 people, including trade unionists, community activists, public representatives, and church leaders, was a striking illustration of the value placed on BBC Radio Foyle by listeners within its vast catchment area. There was a strong attendance from trade unions across the region.
At the meeting, chaired by the NUJ Assistant General Secretary and addressed by the NUJ president, virtually every speaker complained about the lack of public engagement by BBC. The contrast was drawn with the high-profile public celebrations of Radio Foyle’s on September 11th, 2019, reflected in the Foyle at 40 features on the BBC website.
Speaking after a meeting of the NIC-ICTU leadership which fully supported the NUJ/BECTU journalists and media workers at Radio Foyle and their essential service to the North-West, ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy said
Currently there is no nominated Northern Ireland representative on the BBC board. This is due to the suspension of the devolved administration in Northern Ireland. Thus, the concerns of local communities in Northern Ireland have not been considered and there is a strong sense of alienation in the Northwest region.
In the absence of such representation, it would be useful if the BBC’s Chairman and Director General were to visit Derry and to engage with the local community to fully understand the depth of feeling. Such a visit would hopefully inform the final decision in relation to news service at BBC Radio Foyle and allay fears about the long-term future of the station.
NIC-ICTU supports the campaign of opposition to the proposed cuts to BBC Northern Ireland. The need for comprehensive news and business coverage cannot be overstated. Derry and the North-West region is a distinct region and the reasons for the establishment of BBC Radio Foyle remain valid more than four decades later.
We support our affiliate unions, the NUJ and BECTU, in their bid to protect local radio and in particular to secure the future of BBC Radio Foyle rooted in the community. Additionally, we encourage NI trade unionists and their social circles to sign the NUJ petition
Save BBC Radio Foyle: oppose cuts to jobs and programmes | Megaphone UK
