The BBC wants to change the hours that count towards its quota for locally made programming on BBC Local Radio.
It has asked Ofcom to increase the amount of local programming when listening is higher but, due to financial constraints and the way the existing licence condition is structured, it states it is unable to do so.
To allow this to happen, the BBC has requested Ofcom amends the timings in the condition for when programming shared with neighbouring stations can count towards meeting the quota.
The move would mean the BBC’s local sport programmes (for example) would also count towards the quota of local output each station is required to provide, freeing up other times on the schedule to be networked when fewer people are listening.
The change would allow BBC Local Radio stations to focus resources on producing more local programmes during higher listening hours, especially weekday mornings, rather than maintaining local production at times of lower audience levels.
The total hours of local output required would stay the same.
The proposal would not affect the BBC’s commitment to provide local news bulletins, which will continue to air throughout the day.
Ofcom says the request would help bring more locally made programming to larger audiences while giving the BBC flexibility in lower-listening periods. The regulator has said it is minded to approve the change.
The plan forms part of ongoing adjustments to BBC Local Radio schedules, where stations already share some programmes in the afternoons and evenings but continue to offer local news and travel updates throughout the day.