Press Releases
Bishops of Derry Concerned by Proposed Radio Foyle Cutbacks
Bishops Express Concern at Proposed Cutbacks to Radio Foyle
In a letter to Mr Peter Johnston, Controller of BBC Northern Ireland, Bishop Ken Good and Bishop Seamus Hegarty have expressed deep concern at proposed cutbacks to services in BBC Radio Foyle. In their letter they say,
'BBC Radio Foyle has a proven track record in the provision of a highly valued service to the northwest - and now, via the internet, to areas far beyond, as well. This sizeable city and region, as well as having a vibrant and distinctive identity of its own, faces the challenge of developing greater community cohesion and of overcoming a perceived sense of isolation. These combined needs are being well served by the current blend of programming on Radio Foyle and Radio Ulster. For Radio Foyle to lose its unique contribution by being almost entirely absorbed into Radio Ulster would be a seriously retrograde step.
The professionalism and even-handedness of Radio Foyle has earned it a place of trust in the community. Just as the BBC is recognised worldwide as a dependable source of accurate news and comment, so too BBC Radio Foyle is relied upon here as a major provider of reliable and balanced reporting. Its coverage of community issues as well as of local news is very important. In a divided society, the value of such a constructive contribution must be taken very seriously.
We would be very concerned if short-term cuts to Radio Foyle were to lead to the station being run down to the point where its news and other output were to prove no longer viable. This would be a false economy and would jeopardise a key instrument of community information and of social cohesion.
In these difficult economic times, we are aware that financial realities call for some difficult choices to be made. In our estimation, however, Radio Foyle delivers good value for money and the BBC would do well to focus its cost-cutting measures more heavily on some of its considerable central costs.'
ENDS
For further information, please contact Earl Storey (Diocesan Communications Officer) Tel: 07752841802