PETITION FROM DORSET RESIDENTS
We the undersigned petition the BBC to reconsider their decision to scrap plans for BBC Radio Dorset more info
To: Mr. Mark Thompson – Director General of the BBC,
BBC Broadcasting House,
London,
W1A 1AA.
Copy to: Lord Currie of Marylebone - Chairman - Ofcom
Dear Mr. Thompson,
SWEDBAG (South & West Dorset Broadcasting Action Group), chaired by Oliver Letwin MP and Jim Knight MP, has been working for some considerable time with the BBC to create a Dorset Radio Station (FM) to provide local coverage of news and events for the residents of the county. In a survey, of some 40,000 residents (compiled in cooperation with the BBC), approximately 4,000 responded of which 95% demanded local coverage of news and events on both radio and television. The BBC has accepted on more than one occasion that Dorset is “underserved” and we were greatly encouraged to learn that the BBC was finally working on creating BBC Radio Dorset on FM. After all, the neighbouring counties of Devon & Cornwall have their own radio stations as well as a combined and dedicated TV news channel, why should we be singled out as a poor relation?
At present, Dorset not only does not have its own local Radio station (Radio Solent is no substitute and anyway many of us can't receive it), but it also is largely ignored on television by being an ‘add-on’ to either Plymouth, Southampton or Bristol depending on where one lives in the county, with only some token coverage of Dorset affairs. Not only that, but radio and television reception is very variable in many parts of the county. Even DAB isn't complete and we have no idea when that will be. To say that Dorset is “underserved” is an understatement!
It was therefore a bitter blow to learn that the Radio Dorset project had been cancelled in the recent BBC cutbacks. It is high time that the county of Dorset began to receive a decent service from the BBC in return for the licence fee that we all have to pay – we presently do NOT get value for money for our fee and feel that the BBC is just not interested in this county at all! The BBC's stated purpose "to enrich people's lives with programmes and services that inform, educate and entertain" seems rather inappropriate in this county! We have a sub-standard service at best!
Incidentally, the introduction of local news on the internet which we understand is in process, whilst welcome, is absolutely no substitute for the vast majority of residents.
We listen to the radio in the car, the kitchen, in bed, on our portables etc. We do not all have computers and we do not want to have to sit in front of one to get our local news.
WE WANT RADIO DORSET on FM! Please reconsider this disastrous & extremely unfair decision. Top ↑
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