The BBC is set to announce re-structuring plans for local radio stations in England this week, amid speculation of a cut in local programming.

Plans to be considered may include reducing distinctive weekday shows per station to just two, at breakfast and lunchtimes, with afternoon and evening output to consist of shared programming.

With the exception of sport coverage, weekend output is said to be facing a move to more regional programme-sharing.

The Guardian newspaper has highlighted the speculation which it says will apply to only the 39 local stations in England, including Newcastle, Teesside and York, as the other UK nations have their own separate operating structure.

Read more: BBC responds to listener complaints over Paul O’Grady schedule change

Its ‘exclusive’ story believes the suggested cuts may be down to a financial squeeze on the corporation, due to the real-terms freeze of the licence fee and the “challenge” of recent rampant inflation.

The audience shift, with fewer younger people tuning into local radio, but seeking more online material, may also have a bearing.

Should the speculated changes take place it would lead to a round of job losses, with the prospect of some presenters having to reapply for their jobs.

The Guardian say BBC hierarchy will outline their plans to staff during the week, describing the proposals to “reshape BBC England into a full multimedia service”.

Read more: BBC makes dramatic changes to regional TV and radio stations

It quotes a BBC spokesperson stating: “We announced back in May that we would be introducing greater programme sharing between our 39 BBC local radio stations in England.

“This will enable us to increase investment in local digitised services.

“We will be sharing more information on these plans very shortly, and our own staff will, of course, hear about any proposed changes first.

“Our local services are trusted by millions of people and our plans are designed to ensure we keep pace with audiences in a fast-changing world.”

The forecast cuts follow previously announced plans to end regional TV news bulletins for Oxford and Cambridge.

Read next:

               Two flagship BBC radio stations lose listeners since start of year

               MPs call on BBC to rethink cuts regional services

               BBC Newcastle radio presenter Alfie Joey signs off final broadcast

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here