BBC 'out of tune over radio cuts'

LISTENERS to BBC local radio are being urged to download a protest song against planned cuts to force the broadcaster to play it.

- Tony Whitfield

So far stations have refused to play Need My Local Radio.

But now the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), alongside 222 other charities, 41 MPs, and six members of the Lords, have backed the campaign to get the voices of 5.4 million daily loyal listeners heard.

Beldon Haigh wrote the song in a bid to stop job cuts - including those of popular presenters.

The BBC also plans to ditch local content for regional or national items in the afternoon and at weekends, across 39 stations.

The download costs just £1, with all profits going to the NFB charity.