Most of us in our part of the world relate very closely to our local BBC radio stations. From travel news to football and loads more beside we turn to them first.
They also to help build a sense of community and contribute to serving and reflecting the distinctive identities of our country's different regions. Gone are the days when all BBC presenters hailed from the Home Counties and spoke with the same plummy accent.
Yet there are worrying signs that local radio will suffer considerably from cuts at the BBC and fifty MPs made their fears plain in a recent special debate.
This is because the BBC is currently consulting on substantial cuts to its local radio network - some say of between 10-20%
The spread of concern testifies to the importance of local BBC Radio. We were told that many of its listeners are elderly, work outdoors or cannot afford a television
Of its 7 million listeners, more than 2 million listen to no other BBC radio station. Many do not regularly watch television or access the BBC on-line so radio is their only return for paying the licence fee.
Many listeners are amongst the hardest to reach with public service information and local radio output reaches people who would otherwise be isolated.
MPs recounted how their local radio provided vital, life-saving information such as floods when local knowledge matters.
They rightly pointed out that local radio also provides a route into journalism for hundreds of people and gives them the chance to work in their own communities.
MPs from different regions and parties united to tell the BBC to proceed with caution. They fear severe reductions in breakfast and drivetime programmes and less local sport.
The general view is that everyone who pays the licence fee deserves a decent level of locally relevant service.
We hear a great deal about localism. My fear is that BBC cuts will undermine local voices, values and news-gathering. That is a loss too far and I shall be adding my voice to those who want to preserve the best of our local radio coverage.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
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