BBC branded 'neighbour from hell' over local news expansion plan

BBC is branded the ‘neighbour from hell’ by news bosses over the corporation’s plan to expand its local news coverage

The BBC has been branded the ‘neighbour from hell’ by newspaper bosses over its plans to expand its local news coverage.

Editors at major regional news publishers said the ‘state-funded juggernaut’ was ‘on course to suffocate independent journalism’ across the UK.

In a co-signed letter, published by an array of local titles, they told director-general Tim Davie he faces a ‘shameful legacy’ if he does not change his approach. 

The BBC is ‘strengthening’ its local websites in 43 areas using money redistributed from local radio, where 45 presenter roles are being axed.

The letter, signed by figures from groups including Reach, Iliffe Media, Newsquest and National World, claimed the BBC is ‘fixated’ on ‘stealing’ their readers. 

Editors at major local news publishers have written a letter to BBC director-general Tim Davie (pictured attending a service to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS at Westminster Abbey in July) saying the broadcaster is ‘fixated’ on ‘stealing our readers’

The BBC is ‘strengthening’ its local websites in 43 areas using money redistributed from local radio, where 45 presenter roles are being axed

It said: ‘If the BBC was a family and lived in the house next door it would be the neighbour from hell. 

‘Unlike Google, Meta and co, the BBC’s funding is guaranteed by the licence fee, meaning the British public is underwriting the biggest threat local journalism has ever faced.’

The BBC said ‘there is no evidence’ it is ‘crowding out other digital publishers’.

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