Write to your MP to help save BBC Local Radio

Lord Patten, Chairman of the BBC Trust, has announced a major reduction in the cuts to local radio. He has declared that “local radio must stay local for most of the time to continue to have an impact and to stay distinctive – and it must be resourced to achieve this.” He also clearly stated the five remits for local radio: news, sport, culture, identity and music.

We must continue to make our local MPs aware of the strength of our feelings about BBC local radio. They will be able to put pressure on the BBC directly and through ministers to ensure there is no reversal of the BBC Trust’s plans and, even better, further reductions in cuts.

If you don’t know your MP’s email address, you can email through the Write to Them service sponsored by the mySociety charity. Simply enter your postcode in the box below and click GO.

Suggestions for your letter

Not everyone finds writing letters easy, so I thought I’d make a few bullet points of topics you might include. Skip this if you are a grandmother who doesn’t like to be taught how to suck eggs...

Only write to your own MP.
Tell your MP which BBC local radio station you listen to (some constituencies will receive different stations in different areas). Make it clear that you are writing about cuts to BBC local radio under Delivering Quality First. Make your story personal. Tell your MP what you value about your BBC local radio station. Are there particular shows you love? Do you listen all day? Is it the only station you listen to? How valuable is local news to you?
Has your local radio station helped you in any particular way? You might, for example, regard it as your companion. Listening may have helped you recover from depression. You may have met friends or tried out something new as a result of listening. It might have publicised your event, your business, your charity, or your campaign to save a school from closure. You might love its football coverage or its music.
Urge your MP to raise their concerns (and yours), with BBC managers locally and in London.

The above are just a few notes to get your fingers typing.

Thank you.