BBC radio journalists in Sheffield and other parts of England have been on strike with a 48 hour walk out in a dispute over cuts to local radio services. The BBC wants its 39 local stations to share more programmes as part of a plan to modernise services and reduce costs across England. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to BBC journalist Kate Linderholm.
BBC studios across the UK, including Sheffield, have been the site of demonstrations as pensioners take action to protest against proposals to end free TV licences for the over 75s. Under proposals from the BBC only those in receipt of pension credit would remain eligible for free TV licences with others required to pay the £154.50 per year fee to watch television. Campaigners are seeking to reverse the decision announced a month ago which is set to come in to affect by 2020 and could affect around 3.7 million pensioners. Sheffield Live spoke to the secretary of Sheffield Pensioners Action Group Jaqui Milner.
The BBC has been criticised after its decision to scrap free TV licences in a move that will affect the majority of pensioners over the age 75. Following a public consultation, the BBC Board decided that from June 2020 only those households with someone who is both over 75 and in receipt of Pension Credit will be entitled to a free TV licence paid for by the broadcaster. Currently all households with people over 75 are entitled to a free TV licence. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!