Key shows are expected to be maintained at BBC Radio Merseyside despite the corporation’s move to shake-up its local radio services.
Earlier this week, the BBC confirmed plans to change how it operates its regional radio stations, with its 39 locations expected to share shows and 48 jobs to be lost across the service. In Coventry and Warwickshire, the station will broadcast a show shared with Hereford & Worcester and Shropshire on weekday afternoons - based around 60 miles away.
The ECHO understands that under the new plans, Radio Merseyside would retain its own breakfast show, mid-morning programme and weekday afternoons programme. Live sports programming will not be affected by the changes nationally.
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There will be one "all-England" show from 10pm across the week, and on Sunday afternoons. A regional show will be aired from 2pm to 6pm, while from 6pm weekdays and during the weekend breakfast show, Merseyside, Manchester and Lancashire will share a broadcast.
The BBC said it was moving ahead of the proposals which are part of its strategy to “create a modern, digital-led organisation offering even greater value to all audiences.” It said there would be “greater programme sharing between neighbouring Local Radio stations in the afternoons and evenings, when audiences are typically lower” and job cuts would represent 2% of staff.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, director of nations at the BBC, said: “These are ambitious and far-reaching proposals to grow the value we deliver to local audiences everywhere. The plans will help us connect with more people in more communities right across England, striking a better balance between our broadcast and online services and ensuring we remain a cornerstone of local life for generations to come.”
The decision to reduce local services has been met with criticism from listeners and former staff. Former producer Christine Ruth tweeted: “As a former Radio Merseyside producer, I am shocked and appalled by these awful plans to cut the heart out of BBC local radio.”
The BBC said local news bulletin services will be protected across the day on all regional stations. Additional investment will support the production of these new programmes, the corporation said.
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