Wednesday 30th November 2011

People concerned at the cuts to the BBC / public service broadcasting gathered at the New Mechanics, North Sherwood Street, Nottingham at 7pm.

We heard about some of the proposals with would be devastating to both TV and local radio output.

Presenters from BBC TV and radio have joined a campaign to stop cuts local BBC services. They'll be speaking out at a public meeting later this month, which is designed to highlight the effects of the budget savings being proposed by BBC bosses.

BBC Radio Nottingham presenter John Holmes spoke at the meeting at the New Mechanics on North Sherwood Street on Wednesday 30th November. Joined by East Midlands Today Political Editor John Hess and others.

Kevin Stanley, National Union of Journalists rep at BBC Nottingham, said: "We're urging viewers and listeners to get actively involved in the campaign to protect local BBC services. Under the proposals, a quarter of staff at BBC Radio Nottingham could lose their jobs. This would mean fewer staff to report on local issues and hold decision makers to account."

The meeting is being supported by the National Union of Journalists, which is urging people to take part in the BBC Trust's consultation on the cuts.

Kevin Stanley added, "BBC managers say that core journalism will be protected after these cuts, but with one in four staff going, we fear that quality will suffer. The BBC Trust - which controls how the Licence Fee is spent - has the power to stop these cuts. But it will only happen with strong support from the public.

The proposals include :

A shared afternoon programme for Local Radio stations across the East Midlands, just one programme for the whole of England between 7pm and 10pm and less local programming at weekends.

A 40% cut to the budget of the regional BBC One current affairs show Inside Out.

Axing TV and radio journalists who cover the East Midlands for the BBC News Channel and Radios 4 and Five Live.

People can also follow the campaign on Twitter @NoNottsBBCCuts.

NottsTUC

http://www.nottstuc.org/2011/11/bbc-presenters-step-forward-to-save.html

National Union of Journalists

http://www.nuj.org.uk

NUJ balloting members at the BBC

http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=2293

earlier related issue:

Stand up for Journalism : Market Sq, Nottingham Event

http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/11/385178.html

Earlier in the day, thousands of public service workers on strike marched from the Forest Ground, passed the Occupation Camp and onto the Albert Hall to listen to speeches.

1 N30 The March - Events in Nottingham

2 N30 The Speeches - Events in Nottingham

3 N30 Occupation - Events in Nottingham

4 N30 Prof Samik Amin @ Occupy - Events in Nottm

5 N30 Critical Mass bikeabout - Events in Nottm

6 N30 NUJ - BBC - Events in Nottingham

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ALAN LODGE 

Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham.  UK

Email:                 tash@indymedia.org

Web:                   http://digitaljournalist.eu

Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]

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"It is not enough to curse the darkness.

                                   It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"

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