Cuts planned at BBC Radio Foyle

A campaign has been launched opposing to cuts at Londonderry station BBC Radio Foyle.

East Londonderry DUP MP Gregory Campbell along with business leaders and local residents are worried the station may eventually operate on a skeleton staff or even close.

Campbell told the local newspaper the outlet was vital to the region: "The advantage of any local station anywhere in the UK is that it gives a local outlet to local people, community activists, politicians and business people and allows a local outsourcing of news and that will be reduced if newsgathering is made more centralised."

Discussions are currently taking place with staff and trade unions about the future of BBC Northern Ireland. In a statement, the BBC said: "BBC Radio Foyle is an important part of the BBC’s local service portfolio and any adjustments that we make will be designed to build on its established strengths and to unlock its full potential.

"Its programme portfolio should always be evolving to reflect the needs and interests of its audience and we will take care to ensure any changes in this area are based on detailed research."