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http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> News channels to merge http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1657820671 Message started by Administrator on Jul 14^th, 2022, 5:45pm

Title: News channels to merge
Post by Administrator on Jul 14^th, 2022, 5:45pm

According to this BBC news web-page the two BBC News channels are to merge.

"The BBC has said it is investing in "new capability to cover breaking news stories" for a TV news channel which is expected to launch in April 2023.
The channel, which will be called BBC News, is replacing the corporation's two existing, separate UK and global news channels.
It is part of plans for a "digital-led, streamlined organisation".
About 70 UK-based BBC staff will lose their jobs as a result of the merger, it is understood.
But in Washington DC, about 20 jobs will be created."

Title: Re: News channels to merge
Post by Administrator on Jul 15^th, 2022, 6:59pm

More information here, from TVBEurope.

"As part of its plan to merge its existing UK and international news channels into one, the BBC has said it intends to invest in new technology and studio capacity.

The investment will be used to visualise popular radio programmes, a trend which is becoming increasingly popular with news channels."

Title: Re: News channels to merge
Post by Administrator on Aug 22^nd, 2022, 8:21am

Tara Conlan in "The Guardian" reports that.....

"BBC staff to publish damning report on planned merger of news channels"

More here.

Title: Re: News channels to merge
Post by Administrator on Aug 22^nd, 2022, 11:38am

Stewart Carr writes for the Mail.....
here.

"BBC News channel merger will 'drive viewers to rival TV stations' and have a negative effect on coverage across radio, TV and online, staff report reveals"

Title: Re: News channels to merge
Post by Administrator on Aug 26^th, 2022, 12:11pm

City A.M. reports that:-

"Ofcom gives merged BBC News channel the nod but calls for quality UK content"

more here.

"“We have regular engagement with the BBC on all aspects of its operations and we will continue to develop our understanding of the detail of these proposals,” Ofcom said in a document. “Should any issues of concern arise we will work with the BBC to address them, and if necessary, take steps under either our performance or competition powers to ensure the BBC continues to compete fairly and deliver for audiences in the UK”."

"A petition called ‘Save the BBC News Channel from Closure’ has also launched and gained over 6,270 signatures."

Change.org has a page:-

"In July 2022, the BBC announced plans to merge the largely UK-focused BBC News Channel and the international service BBC World News.

The new channel will be commercial and aimed at an overseas audience. The UK licence payer will not recognise it.

The BBC says there will be UK-specific "opt-outs" - content you already get elsewhere on the BBC - such as: Nicky Campbell's BBC Radio 5 Live phone-in show in the mornings; BBC One news programmes; Newsnight.

There will be no UK content specific to the news channel apart from during short ad breaks or where a duty editor decides it's worth mobilising staff and a small studio to cover a breaking UK story.

Ofcom plans to remove regulations relating to the BBC News Channel. This will allow the BBC to make the changes without the need for Ofcom approval and a public consultation.

Please sign this petition to register your objection to the BBC proposal to close down the service that currently serves UK viewers and provides dedicated, in-depth coverage of domestic stories.

BBC management is claiming there's been no pushback from viewers since the announcement about the planned merger in July. However, it seems they may not have been entirely transparent with viewers about the extent to which UK news coverage will be cut back."

Title: Re: News channels to merge
Post by Administrator on Sep 4^th, 2022, 10:01pm

Roger Mosey's view in the "The Radio Times", here.