Recommendation 32

We asked whether choices labelled “local” are genuinely relevant to smaller communities, particularly in radio and local news. We underlined that local radio remains a “lifeline” for older audiences, and emphasised that, for example, “in Sheffield, local means Sheffield” rather than pooled content from larger hubs.77 The BBC agreed it must avoid “lumping anyone together in one geographic unit,” stressed sensitivity to distinct local identities, and acknowledged the importance of considering the appropriate size and scope of regional hubs, adding that pushing provision into more localised delivery would require more investment whereas hubs can support training and peer learning for junior journalists.78 On the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the BBC said the scheme was demand-led, widely distributed and strong. However, it acknowledged there was scope to review who uses the current system, the depth of provision and geographic spread as part of charter considerations, to ensure reporters remained “truly local” rather than stretched over larger footprints.79 76 Qq 58, 59, 72-74 77 Qq 60, 61 78 Qq 61, 64 79 Qq 60, 62, 63 18