'Save Radio Foyle' campaign launched
The Deputy First Minister has joined with the North West's civic, political and business leaders in backing a campaign opposing cuts at Radio Foyle.
Martin McGuinness, SDLP leader Mark Durkan, Gregory Campbell, Bishop of Derry Most Reverend Seamus Hegarty and retired Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Dr James Mehaffey have all signed the Save Radio Foyle petition, calling on the BBC "to safeguard and invest" in the Derry-based radio station rather than implement the planned cutbacks.
The Save Radio Foyle campaign group say the proposed cost cutting measures - which will see the station's local output halved and a number of jobs lost - "disenfranchises licence fee payers" in the North West.
The lobby group adds that the corporation's plans raise serious concerns over their long-term commitment to Radio Foyle.
The Mayors of Derry and Limavady, the chairman of Strabane District Council and all six Foyle MLA's have also voiced their opposition to the BBC cuts.
Derry's sporting fraternity has also backed the campaign with Derry City manager Stephen Kenny, Charlie Ferguson, President Institute Football Club, boxing champ Charlie Nash, Moss Dineen of City of Derry Rugby Club and Joe Doherty, Chairman of the NW Cricket Union, among those to have signed the petition.
The Save Radio Foyle petition reads: "We, the undersigned, object in the strongest possible terms to the BBC's proposed cuts to Radio Foyle's programmes and staff.
"As a local public service broadcaster, the station is uniquely placed to reflect the affairs of the north west. The proposed cuts (the News At One, Sean Coyle, 3-5Live, Saturday Sport and Saturday Club) raise serious doubts over the BBC's commitment to local broadcasting and the future of the station.
"A reduction in Radio Foyle's dedicated output disenfranchises licence fee payers here. We call on the BBC to withdraw the planned cuts at Radio Foyle and to safeguard and invest in the service instead."
The Save Radio Foyle group are now calling on the public to back their calls.
"Please add your name by contacting saveradiofoyle@gmail.com, where you can also request hard copies of the petition which is now circulating across the whole of the North West.
"If you want to make your views about the cuts at Radio Foyle known directly to the BBC, you can write to Peter Johnston, Controller BBC Northern Ireland, Broadcasting House, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast."
Meanwhile the future of Radio Foyle will be discussed at a public meeting to be held in Derry next month. Organised by the National Union of Journalists, the meeting will be held in the City Hotel on December 8 at 7:30pm.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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