WELL done to Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah for highlighting the disgraceful BBC cuts that threaten the existence of regional public service broadcasting. Make no mistake, these changes will have a huge impact on the cultural life of people in the North-East.
The 20 per cent cuts proposed to BBC local radio and 40 per cent cost savings being required of the BBC's excellent regional TV current affairs programme, Inside Out, can in no way improve output and will certainly fail to live up to the name given to the BBC job cuts programme: "Delivering Quality First".
The fault for this butchery lies squarely on the shoulders of this Government but top BBC bosses shouldn't be carrying out their dictates. Just as cronies of these parties lick their lips with the thought of huge monetary gains from the privatisation of the NHS, the knives of greed are out for lucrative privatised BBC franchises.
This isn't just about seeing repeats on the television or cutting costs, it's about devastating a service that is unique in the world.
The Inside Out programme reflects a brilliant level of investigative journalism and exposes injustices against ordinary people in the region - people who read this paper. It is a programme that holds powerful people to account and is about being part of a democratic society. Once we lose it, it's gone forever.
People power can force BBC bosses to stand up to government cuts. You can still submit you response to the BBC Trust's consultation via bit.ly/bbctrust.
Ed Waugh,
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