Colum Eastwood MP has said that an Ofcom finding that the BBC breached its operating license by cutting new programming on Radio Foyle is significant and vindicates the cross-party campaign against the cuts.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said that the decision to seek changes to the license rather than providing the required news content is a clear demonstration that the North West isn’t a priority for BBC Northern Ireland.

Colum Eastwood MP said:

“When the BBC first announced its plan to cut programming at Radio Foyle, communities in the North West were rightly angry. The decision ignored the unique political, cultural and news environment that exists here, it undermined hardworking staff and it diminished the entire station. It was, and remains, a bad call.

“Our cross-party, cross-community campaign to resist the cuts was successful in saving elements of news programming but we were clear that the reduction in news content was a disservice to BBC staff, license fee payers and people who rely on public service broadcasting from Radio Foyle.

“The finding from Ofcom that the BBC breached its operating license by slashing news content in the North West is damning, it damages the credibility of BBC Northern Ireland as a broadcaster and it is deeply embarrassing for senior management.

“People in the North West deserve first class public service broadcasting from the BBC. We have talented journalists, producers, researchers and broadcasters who can deliver it. It’s enormously disappointing that we aren’t a priority for BBC Northern Ireland.”