Ever since the BBC announced it was axing the Oxford edition of “South Today”, I’ve called on the broadcaster to reverse its decision and continue to provide local news for local people. But it still wants to include stories about Aylesbury in a programme made in Southampton. Following the closure of Mix 96, this means even less news and information about our area. So today I have written to the Chief Executive of the broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, Dame Melanie Dawes, to explain why I think the BBC is breaching its own Royal Charter with its plan. My letter follows the debate I held recently in the House of Commons, where many MPs condemned the BBC’s actions. Ofcom itself has highlighted the importance of television as a source of news, so I hope it will tell the BBC to think again.
