Prominent black and Asian Britons warn against BBC local radio cuts plan

Actor David Harewood, who is among those to have signed an open letter in the Voice in opposition to BBC cuts. Photograph: John Phillips/Getty Images

Prominent black and Asian Britons have warned that the BBC’s local radio cuts could result in the loss of airtime for shows aimed at BAME audiences.

David Harewood, Adrian Lester, Diane Abbott, and Doreen Lawrence are among those who have signed the open letter in the Voice. They said that the BBC’s current plans to axe weekend and evening shows on English local radio would “disproportionately impact Black media professionals and journalism across the UK”.