The BBC has announced wide-sweeping changes to its local services across England, primarily affecting the provision of local radio stations.
The "digital-led" strategy will see more local journalists hired for online reporting at the expense of audio-based roles, with a net headcount reduction of 48 people.
The 39 local radio stations will each continue to produce bespoke programming between 6am and 2pm on weekdays, before opting in to one of 18 regional programmes between 2pm and 6pm.
Ten regional programmes will then be produced between 6pm and 10pm on weekdays, as well as throughout the day on Saturdays and on Sunday mornings. A new English national programming block will be broadcast across all local stations between 10pm and 6am on weekdays, as well as Sunday afternoons and evenings.
"These are ambitious and far-reaching proposals to grow the value we deliver to local audiences everywhere," said Rhodri Talfan Davies, director of nations at the BBC.
"The plans will help us connect with more people in more communities right across England, striking a better balance between our broadcast and online services and ensuring we remain a cornerstone of local life for generations to come."
The corporation added that despite the overall job losses, it "aims to maintain its overall investment in local services" in the years ahead.
Neil Wilkes
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