PROTECT OUR LOCAL RADIO, SAYS MARTIN (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

PROTECT OUR LOCAL RADIO, SAYS MARTIN

January 17, 2008 11:51 AM

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood today submitted a motion to Parliament defending BBC Radio Gloucestershire from the potential impact of the planned BBC cuts. The motion praises BBC local radio for its public service role, particularly highlighting the valuable role of Radio Gloucestershire during the 2007 summer floods, which was also recently recognised in the Interim Report of the Government's Pitt Review. It was supported by Gloucestershire MPs from all three main parties.

Commenting, Martin said:

"Many people in Cheltenham and the area relied on Radio Gloucestershire during the flooding. The station proved itself to be invaluable, adapting quickly to events in order to provide a crucial public service during the flooding and the consequent cut off of the water supply.

"The staff at the radio station worked round the clock to keep this public service up and running and depended on their local knowledge to provide high quality and accurate information.

"I would be really worried if this sort of service were seriously threatened by the BBC cutbacks announced last year, and want to see BBC management recognise the value of its local media outlets."