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<p>The Government recognises the important role that the BBC’s local radio services
play in terms of the provision of local news and information, and of community engagement
in the local area.</p><p>The BBC is operationally and editorially independent from
the Government as set out in its Royal Charter, and decisions on service delivery
and how it consults with audiences are a matter for the BBC. However, we are disappointed
that the BBC is planning to reduce parts of its local radio output. In the Department’s
regular conversations with the BBC, we have been clear that it must make sure it continues
to provide distinctive and genuinely local radio services, with content that reflects
and represents people and communities from all corners of the UK.</p><p>The Government
also expects Ofcom, as regulator of the BBC, to ensure the BBC is robustly held to
account in delivering its public service duties. Ofcom recently published a new BBC
Operating Licence, which sets out that it will hold the BBC to its commitments on
local radio in England in relation to news and travel, breaking news and major incidents
and its contribution to local democracy.</p><p>Under the new Operating Licence, the
BBC will be required to monitor the impact of changes on audiences and publish more
information about how it delivers high quality, distinctive content and services for
audiences across the UK. Ofcom monitor the BBC’s performance in this area closely
and step in if they are concerned the BBC is not delivering for audiences. Ofcom also
plans to commission new research to better understand what audiences need and value
from local services.</p>
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