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BBC News NI correspondent for education and arts
Getty ImagesThe communications regulator, Ofcom, is poised to endorse reductions to BBC Radio Foyle that have already been implemented by the BBC.
In previous findings, Ofcom determined that the corporation had violated its operating licence by reducing approximately 300 hours of news and current affairs programming on Radio Foyle.
The UK’s regulatory authority described the breach as “a potentially serious concern”.
The BBC has since made a formal request to Ofcom to update its operating licence to account for the modifications made to Radio Foyle’s content.
What modifications did the BBC implement in Radio Foyle?
In 2023, the BBC shortened its two-hour breakfast show on Radio Foyle to just 30 minutes amid various scheduling and programming adjustments.
This decision aimed to enhance investment in BBC Northern Ireland’s online and digital platforms, such as BBC iPlayer.
However, these reductions sparked widespread protests.
In early 2024, the program—known as North West Today— was reinstated to an hour every weekday from 08:00 to 09:00.
How did the reductions violate the BBC’s operating licence?
PA MediaAccording to its operating licence, the BBC was mandated to deliver 1,043 hours of news and current affairs on Radio Foyle annually.
However, the output cuts resulted in only 651 hours of news and current affairs being aired on the station in 2023/24.
This led Ofcom to conclude that the BBC breached a provision of its operating licence.
Ofcom reports that the BBC attributed the breach to an “internal miscommunication”, which resulted in the inclusion of programmes aired on BBC Radio Ulster when calculating Radio Foyle’s output.
The BBC has now sought Ofcom’s approval to amend its news and current affairs requirement for Radio Foyle, reducing it from 1,043 hours to 710 hours per financial year.
Documents shared by the regulator describe the BBC’s assertion that the changes made have positively impacted audiences.
“Post-modifications, the BBC claims it broadcasted an average of 1.1 additional local stories per hour on North West Today compared to Breakfast on Foyle,” the documents assert.
“Overall, North West Today aired more stories per hour than Breakfast on Foyle.”
Furthermore, the BBC indicated that these adjustments have “enhanced its online offerings” and improved coverage of the north-west region on the BBC News NI platform.
In the 2024/25 period, the BBC reported publishing 449 stories from Foyle on BBC News NI, marking a 15% increase over two years.
Ofcom also noted that nearly two-thirds of individuals in Northern Ireland receive their news through online sources and/or TV, while only 46% rely on radio and social media for their news.
What actions will Ofcom take next?
Ofcom is currently reviewing the potential adjustment of the BBC’s operating licence to align with the modifications made to Radio Foyle. The regulator has expressed its intention to support the BBC’s request, pending further consultation.
Ofcom believes the adjustments will likely yield “a neutral to positive impact on audiences”.
“Regarding the BBC Radio Foyle proposals, we recognize that the adjustments made have already resulted in an increase in the number of north-west stories featured in the service,” Ofcom indicated.
“The BBC’s approach of delivering more local news content online, while simultaneously maintaining focused local news broadcasts on BBC Radio Foyle, has the potential to benefit audiences and foster positive relationships among different communities.”
Nonetheless, Ofcom is actively seeking public input on its approval process for the BBC’s modifications concerning Radio Foyle and the Asian Network until June 26.
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