Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, spoke in the House of Commons in the Urgent Question on the impact of the proposed reduction in BBC Local Radio provision.
She whole heartedly supported her local radio for Southend, BBC Essex on many counts, stating that they provide hundreds of thousands of pounds to local and national charities, such as Endometriosis Foundation, Prost8 and the Music Man Project.
Southend West also has a large elderly population, whose source of information comes widely from the local radio. Cutting the service would be a travesty, as it would immobilise the elderly and seclude them from society.
The local radio also provides an incredible platform for local journalists to showcase their skills, and progress through the industry.
Anna said,
“I am an avid supporter of BBC Essex, who provide an amazing service to the local people. They broadcast a range of shows, with a great mix of music and news splashed with that Essex charm we all love. Although I entirely understand the need to invest for the digital age, we must always protect viewers who could be left behind and rely on local services to stay updated on what’s happening in their community. I urge the BBC to keep this at the core of their decision-making.”
