Downtown Radio job cuts

Fiveteen job cuts have been proposed at Emap's Downtown Radio in Northern Ireland.

BECTU and the NUJ will be involved in supporting their members through the 30-day consultation over the proposals to cut engineering, admin staff and newsroom jobs. Members will have the chance to submit counter-proposals and apply for some new roles.

Some of the job cuts stem from a decision to cut evening news bulletins, which is a serious concern to the unions.

Downtown Radio has a proud record of covering local stories and members fear that they station will become simply another transmitter of UK-wide playlist pop.

BECTU official Anna Murray said "Emap's action signals a retreat from the local news and cultural role that Downtown plays.

"Many Northern Ireland radio and TV presenters, and some broadcasters now famous across the UK, started at Downtown, which also promotes local artists such as Snow Patrol".

Staff at other stations affected by the same Emap review which led to the Downtown proposals, Radio Clyde and Forth in Scotland and Key 103 in Manchester, are not covered by collective union agreements, but individuals can still get one-to-one support if they join BECTU now.