Decision details

To consider the impacts of BBC discussions around changed arrangements for TV news that is currently delivered from Oxford.

Councillor Jean Fooks, Opposition Deputy Leader expressed her astonishment and anger at the thfreat to both local TV and radio. She noted that the report did not refer to radio but many people relied on it for local news, weather(particularly during severe conditions) and school closures. The closure of services was not in the spirit of localism and she supported the need to comment on the proposals and to get across the view that they were not a good idea.

The Leader commented that the recommendation to Council in June was appropriate to give all members an opportunity to debate this important issue.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services was concerned at the impact on local people as the service had long provided a balance view and a valuable local voice. The rise of community TV did not provide the same service.

Cabinet Members supported the recommendation to Council but in noting that some areas of the County did not receive Oxford TV considered that the debate should be widened to include  the threat to local radio. The Deputy Leader recognised the severe financial pressures on the BBC and hoped that in looking at the consultation the Council could come up with alternative options.

Subject  to the referral of the matter to Council including BBC local radio services in addition to BBC Oxford TV it was:

RESOLVED:                        to RECOMMEND to Council to:

(a)       record that it believes that a cessation of service would deny the people of Oxfordshire a truly local and comprehensive television news service and that local communities could lose their voice and the council could lose an important channel of communication.

(b)       ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chairman of the BBC Trust, the Director General of the BBC and to respond to any consultation on the proposals expressing the Council’s concern and opposition.

(c)        ask the Leader of the Council to write to all six local MPs and the Culture Secretary to express these concerns and ask for their support against the proposals