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<\/p>\nThe BBC has been branded the ‘neighbour from hell’ by newspaper bosses over its plans to expand its local news coverage.<\/p>\n
Editors at major regional news publishers said the ‘state-funded juggernaut’ was ‘on course to suffocate independent journalism’ across the UK.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The BBC is ‘strengthening’ its local websites in 43 areas using money redistributed from local radio, where 45 presenter roles are being axed.<\/p>\n
The letter, signed by figures from groups including Reach, Iliffe Media, Newsquest and National World, claimed the BBC is ‘fixated’ on ‘stealing’ their readers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Editors at major local news publishers have written a letter to BBC director-general Tim Davie (pictured\u00a0attending a service to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS at Westminster Abbey in July) saying the broadcaster is ‘fixated’ on ‘stealing our readers’<\/p>\n
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The BBC is ‘strengthening’ its local websites in 43 areas using money redistributed from local radio, where 45 presenter roles are being axed<\/p>\n
It said: ‘If the BBC was a family and lived in the house next door it would be the neighbour from hell.\u00a0<\/p>\n
‘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.’<\/p>\n
The BBC said ‘there is no evidence’ it is ‘crowding out other digital publishers’.<\/p>\n