BBC local radio listeners have expressed outrage after a major schedule overhaul saw several popular specialist music programmes replaced. The Sunday afternoon slots on 39 local stations have been replaced by a new programme, The Make A Difference Show, which began airing on September 14 from 2pm to 6pm on stations not broadcasting live sports. A presenter for the show has not yet been announced.
Among the shows dropped are John Leech's Soul Show on BBC's Eastern stations, Simon Logan's 80s and 90s show on BBC Radio Newcastle and Tees, and Lisa Marrey's 80s and 90s programme on BBC Merseyside and BBC Cumbria. Paula White's programme, which aired across five stations, and Sile Sibanda's music and conversation show on BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Radio York and BBC Radio Leeds have also ended.
Simon Logan bid farewell to listeners, saying: 'What is it they always say, all great things must come to an end... The time has come to say farewell, seriously, thanks for being there. We’ve had a blast, haven’t we? Hope to catch you really soon.'
Chris Burns, Head of BBC Local Audio Commissioning, said: 'Make a Difference is something that has deeply resonated with our audiences since inception. It is hugely popular and something we really want to champion while prioritising our unrivalled commitment to covering local sport.' A BBC spokesperson added: 'Our new Sunday afternoon line-up focusses on our unrivalled local sport coverage... while bringing the phenomenon of Make A Difference together for the first time into a brand-new weekly show.'
Listeners have taken to social media to vent their frustration. One user wrote: 'The end of BBC Local Radio. What is next, any daily programme after 1400 will be scrapped for a national show?' Another commented: 'Instead of wasting money on Radio 1 Dance, Anthems & Radio 3 Unwind they should put money back into LOCAL Radio.'
