LOCAL radio stations across the county are prepared to step into the breach should government cuts force a closure to much of the output from BBC Essex.
With 400 million worth of savings to be found, many have speculated that BBC Essex may be reduced to a morning and evening show with the rest made up of output from Radio 5.
Phoenix FM which covers the Brentwood and Billericay area has vowed to keep running full time boss if BBC Essex stops.
Chairman Paul Golder told the Essex Chronicle: “If this were to happen it would be a shame as it reduces choice for the listener.
“We’ve proved you don’t need a budget of millions to provide a truly local full-service station and we will continue to do so for years to come.”
YourThurrock reporter Mike Jones has worked for a vast number of local radio stations over the years.
Mike said: “One of the best things that BBC Essex does is the sports coverage especially on a Saturday afternoon where they will have reporters at Colchester, Southend, Dagenham as well as down in the non-league at Thurrock, Braintree and Chelmsford. That amongst many other things has to be retained.”
