Greater Manchester MP's say community programmes must stay

Date published: 17/02/2006

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has been joined by Liberal Democrat Colleagues Mark Hunter MP and John Leech MP in the fight to save three of Greater Manchester's popular community radio programmes.  The trio have a tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) aimed at raising the awareness of a potential "cost-cutting exercise."  They have accused bosses of BBC Greater Manchester Radio (BBC GMR) of "letting some of the most diverse communities in Greater Manchester down."  It has been revealed that under a review of BBC GMR programmes, the Irish, Jewish and Gay communities in Greater Manchester face losing their specialist shows in a shake up of programmes.
 
BBC GMR have recruited celebrity name Terry Christian, who will be the new breakfast anchor, opposite Eamon O'Neil who will continue on 'Drivetime'. 

Shows in danger include popular Jewish show - 'It's Kosher'; 10 year old 'Gaytalk'; and the 'The Parlour', that has been running for 21 years. 
 
Paul Rowen said, "I am concerned that these shows are under threat, GMR has done a great job for many years catering for community and specialist shows in the Greater Manchester area.  If we lose these three shows then I fear that GMR will lose part of it's identity.  They claim that they will incorporate the three shows into their normal schedule under the name 'Citizen Manchester'.  I believe this sends out the wrong message to the people of Greater Manchester, and that this looks like happening at the BBC is worrying."
 
Paul continued, "Coming from Irish descent I have regularly tuned into The Parlour and the influence of the show in the Irish community is immense. I am sure that amongst the Jewish and Gay community the influence is similar.  BBC GMR should stop looking at listening figures and continue their great tradition of being a public service to all communities in Greater Manchester.  I will be tabling an Early Day Motion and encouraging MP's from all parties to sign up and apply pressure to keep diversity at the centre of BBC Broadcasting in Greater Manchester!"