24-hour NUJ strike affects BBC services in England

BBC regional TV and local radio services have been affected by strike action by members of the National Union of Journalists.

The NUJ said it expected 900 staff to join the 24-hour walkout, which began at 11am today.

The union says the BBC’s plans to merge some local radio programmes would “undermine already hollowed out local radio content across England”.

The BBC said would try to minimise disruption as much as possible.

The proposals for more local radio stations to share programming would “see no overall reduction in staffing levels or local funding” and deliver “even greater value to communities”, a BBC spokesperson said.

On TV, most English regions were unable to broadcast regional news programming at 1.30pm, 6.30pm and 10.30pm. In these regions, an edition of Planet Earth was shown at 1.30pm. Garden Rescue filled the 6.30pm slot and at 10.30pm a simulcast of the BBC News Channel was broadcast (a Sportsday bulletin).

VIDEO: the 1.30pm BBC One junction in all English regions (except BBC One South West) (trails have been edited out). Presenter: Reeta Chakrabarti. Announcer: Anthony Lewis. TX DATE: 15th March 2023. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

VIDEO: the 6.30pm BBC One junction in all English regions (except BBC One South West and BBC One East Midlands). Presenter: Sophie Raworth. Announcer: Kate Walsh. TX DATE: 15th March 2023. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

VIDEO: many English regions get Sportsday at 10.30pm instead of their regional news. TX DATE: 15th March 2023. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

BBC South West managed to produce lunchtime, early evening and late-evening editions of Spotlight on Wednesday. BBC East Midlands Today was broadcast at 6.30pm and 10.30pm on Wednesday.

BBC East Midlands Today also went out on BBC One West Midlands at 10.30pm.

On local radio, some stations broadcast a syndicated programme shortly after 11am. Others kept their own shows, although many used stand-in hosts.

VIDEO: a short segment on BBC Radio Merseyside about the strike (also broadcast on other stations). TX DATE: 15th March 2023. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

Immediately after the strike, staff will operate a continuous work to rule – sticking strictly to the requirements of their contract (for example, refusing extra duties or overtime).

VIDEO: excerpts from the lunchtime edition of Spotlight. Presenter: Victoria Graham. TX DATE: 15th March 2023. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

VIDEO: excerpts from the early evening edition of Spotlight. Presenter: Victoria Graham. TX DATE: 15th March 2023. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

VIDEO: excerpts from the early evening edition of East Midlands Today. Presenter: Sarah Hawley. TX DATE: 15th March 2023. COPYRIGHT: BBC.