Outlets including the Northern Echo and the Helensburgh Advertiser cover news that Damian Collins MP (Con) and 22 other MPs have written to Ofcom about cuts the BBC is making in regional news and journalism

Collins wrote to the chief executive of Ofcom Dame Melanie Dawes urging the regulator to respond to the BBC proposed cuts that would affect regional journalism and the rural communities it serves.

The BBC is proposing to cut 450 jobs to try to save £25m from BBC England.

The changes include the end of Inside Out – a regional news programme. In the letter Collins highlights the most recent Ofcom annual BBC report which said that it should “better reflect the whole of the UK with authentic news and current affairs content”.

Regional news has been a lifeline for isolated rural communities during lockdown, especially for those without access to internet.

Full articles:

Northern Echo - MPs call on BBC to rethink cuts regional services

Helensburgh Advertiser - MPs write to watchdog over BBC cuts to regional news services

bectu - MPs write to Ofcom over BBC regional news cuts