BBC Trust

Today the Trust launches its second review of BBC Local Radio which will also cover BBC local news and current affairs programming on both television and online.

As part of the review process the Trust is running a public consultation to hear what audiences think of their local BBC services in England. People can contribute to the consultation online, by phone, post, or alternatively can tweet using #localreview.

The review will focus on how well Local Radio and local news services in England are fulfilling the commitments set out in their service licences.

The Trust will look at how well BBC Local Radio and local news programming is serving audiences, the extent to which people are using the services and the impact the services are making. Key questions will also include whether they are delivering high quality, distinctive content that represents good value for money for licence fee payers.

Whilst not formally assessing market impact, the review will consider the BBC’s position in the local media environment and how its local news provision currently fits with that provided by others.

The review will also look at whether Local Radio and local news is equipped for changes to listening and viewing habits including responding to technological shifts.

Mark Florman, Trustee for England said: “Our last review of Local Radio showed us how greatly valued the BBC’s local services are – they are a companion to many and a lifeline in local emergencies.

"We want to bring things up to date and hear from audiences what they think about their local BBC services on radio, television and online right now. We want to know what you think about the content, variety and quality of programming – your opinion matters so please get in touch and tell us how well you think they are doing."

The full terms of reference can be read here.

The review will be publishing early next year.

Notes to editors

1. Each BBC service is reviewed against its licence at least once every five years. More information on service reviews carried out by the Trust can be found here. Local Radio was last reviewed by the Trust in 2012 and can be read here.
2. The Trust publishes a report setting out its view on progress against service reviews annually. The Trust’s 2014 Service Review progress report can be found here (PDF file).
3. Network news and current affairs output will not be considered in this review. This was looked at in the Trust’s review of Network News and Current Affairs published in 2014.
4. Market impact, editorial standards, the BBC’s programme supply arrangements and talent pay are all out of scope of the review. The BBC radio’s programme supply has been reviewed separately this year by a Trust review of BBC content supply. The Trust published an independent review of the BBC’s arrangements for managing on-screen and on-air talent in March 2015.