CUTS TO BBC NEWS PROGRAMMES

That this House believes that at this critical time for the nation over Brexit negotiations, the availability for well-resourced, independent news and analysis is of paramount importance; is therefore deeply concerned that the BBC plans to merge two of radio's most important radio current affairs programmes, the World Service's NewsHour and Radio 4's The World Tonight; fears that such a merger would have a detrimental effect on the news coverage on both programmes and undermine the distinctive voice of the World Service; believes that savings could be better achieved by cutting executive salaries and management posts; and calls on BBC management to hold meaningful talks with the National Union of Journalists to develop a plan which preserves the quality and integrity of both these important programmes.