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<p>The Government recognises the important role that BBC Local Radio plays in bringing
communities together, reflecting local experiences and delivering local news. I am
therefore disappointed that the BBC is planning to reduce parts of its local radio
output.</p><p>While it is up to the BBC to decide how it delivers its services, I
have met with BBC leadership and shared concerns expressed in recent parliamentary
proceedings about reductions to BBC Local Radio. The Government has been clear that,
as our national broadcaster, the BBC 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 BBC has outlined that, under
current proposals, overall investment in local services is being maintained, which
includes £19m from broadcast services being moved to online and multimedia production
to adapt to audience changes. The BBC has confirmed that it is protecting local news
bulletins throughout the day, and local live sport, and community programming across
all 39 stations, and that there will be fully local programming between 6am and 2pm,
with neighbouring or regional sharing in most of the remaining listening hours.</p><p>Ofcom,
as the independent regulator of the BBC, is responsible for ensuring that the BBC
continues to meet the public service obligations set out in the BBC Charter, Agreement,
and Operating Licence. The Government understands that Ofcom is continuing to discuss
these proposals with the BBC.</p><p> </p>
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