Journalists at BBC Radio Sussex are to go on strike for two days tomorrow (Wednesday 7 June) and on Thursday.
Staff at the studio in Queen’s Road, Brighton, are in a continuing dispute over proposals to cut local radio output.
Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) voted in favour of a strike as they try to prevent more of the radio station’s output becoming regional or even national.
The NUJ said: “Over 80 per cent of members of the National Union of Journalists across England backed the walkout, which will include staff from BBC Radio Sussex, BBC South East regional TV and BBC South East news online.
“The strike – on Wednesday 7 June and Thursday 8 June – comes as NUJ members across England have passed a vote of no confidence in the BBC Local senior leadership team.”
The union said that 93 per cent of those polled did not support the current managers after months of frustration over proposed changes to programmes.
The NUJ added: “Under the plans, BBC Radio Sussex’s weekday afternoon show would be not only linked with BBC Radio Surrey, as it currently is, but also now with BBC Radio Kent as well.
“The location of where this show will be broadcast from has not yet been confirmed but it could be from Tunbridge Wells.
“Evening and weekend programming would be either be regional or even national, with the exception of news bulletins and sports coverage.”
Paul Siegert, the NUJ’s broadcasting organiser, said: “Members have shared their disappointment over the treatment of colleagues who have had to reapply for their jobs.
“Results of the (no confidence) vote indicate the strength of many journalists, alongside frustrations about the BBC’s handling of the dispute.
“Members wants to avoid strike action and remain doing the jobs they love.
“The NUJ is urging the BBC to reconsider its planes that will leave a lasting impact on Local Radio.”
Kevin Stanley, the NUJ rep for BBC Nations and Regions, said: “The BBC wants to move some of its existing budget to digital content.
“We absolutely agree that a greater digital presence is needed but we don’t agree that this should come from cutting parts of the existing BBC Local budget.
“The BBC should be looking at providing a properly funded local news service and ensuring that the government provides a stable funding model for this to happen.”
After a number of presenter departures, the former controller of BBC Local Radio, Andy Griffee, tweeted a series of messages.
He called the cuts “an unforced self-harm initiative in which (management) abandons localness in core hours and turns its back on radio audiences”.
I used to listen to them every morning, but gave up when it seemed to turn into a propaganda machine for Brighton and Hove City Council councillors, and the presenters were pushing the BBC woke agenda.
Ended up getting stressed out and just switched to Classic FM for a gentle start to the day. If I want local news I stick with Brighton and Hove News and The Argus.
BBC are funded by the atrocious TV License. No pity for any of their workers or operations. For my news I’ll stick with evening standard, or indeed The Argus for Brighton area, where I originally came from.
Can’t say I’m a big believer in Radio these days; to me, it feels like a throwback technology from a bygone age. If I want to listen to music, I’d do so from my collection without the adverts, if I want news, I’ll check a podcast. Whilst I do feel for radio presenters, and in no way want to belittle their work – I wonder if radio in its current form can modernise?