Several popular BBC local radio shows are being permanently replaced in a major schedule shake-up that has led to fans accusing the Beeb of “ruining” local radio.
Many long-running specialist music shows on local BBC Radio stations have now come to an end, with a new national networked programme taking their place.
Simon Logan’s 80s and 90s show on BBC Radio Newcastle and Tees is among the highest profile casualties, alongside Sile Sibanda’s show on BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio York and BBC Radio Leeds and Lisa Marrey’s 80s and 90s show on BBC Lancashire, BBC Merseyside and BBC Cumbria.
The Sunday afternoon slots on all 39 BBC local radio stations will now be replaced by The Make a Difference Show, launching on Sunday, 14th September from from 2pm to 6pm on all local stations that aren’t covering live sport on the day. Its presenter is yet to be announced.
Ahead of the official launch, a one-off special titled Award Winners aired last weekend. Chris Burns, head of BBC local audio commissioning, said of the new show: “Make a Difference is something that has deeply resonated with our audiences since inception. It is hugely popular and something we really want to champion while prioritising our unrivalled commitment to covering local sport.”
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The Sunday afternoon changes are the latest in a long line of local radio reorganistion as the BBC has increasingly moved to networked content as it seeks to streamline services. Opponents of the plan have included the National Union of Journalists, comic Lucy Beaumont and dramatist Willy Russell.
Newcastle and Tees’ Logan played Alphaville’s Forever Young as his final sign off and told fans: “What is it they always say, all great things must come to an end. The time has come to say farewell, seriously, thanks for being there. We’ve had a blast, haven’t we? Hope to catch you really soon. “And whatever you’re doing tonight, always stay forever young. Ta-Ra.”
Logan’s fans had previously launched a petition in support of the host, which attracted 600 signatures.
Fans took to social media to vent about the decision, with one noting: “We have BBC radios 1,2,3,4 and 5 that are all national. Why do we need even more national output? The BBC is slowly demoting local radio.”
Another listener on Twitter claimed: “BBC is ruining local radio again.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “Our new Sunday afternoon line-up focusses on our unrivalled local sport coverage that we know our audiences depend on us for while bringing the phenomenon of Make A Difference together for the first time into a brand-new weekly show. We have always said we will evolve our schedules from time to time to reflect listening habits and this is the case here.”
