The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called a 48-hour strike from Wednesday, which is expected to see 1,000 members walk out of BBC local radio stations.
The union is taking industrial action in a dispute over cuts to local radio services in England, with the broadcaster planning to “dramatically reduce” its output.
It means that BBC local radio will have a restricted output on Wednesday and Thursday.
However, stations are still broadcasting - despite being down on staff - with some positions being covered.
This is what is happening and why.
When are the local news strikes?
Around 1,000 NUJ members across BBC local radio stations are set to strike on Wednesday and Thursday.
It follows a strike inside BBC Northern Ireland on the country’s election results day on May 19.
Why are the NUJ striking?
The NUJ said negotiations with the BBC had “stalled”, adding that the proposals have failed to address the union’s concerns about the impact of fewer services, and an increase in shared programmes.
Strike action was voted for in March. Of those balloted, 83 per cent voted in favour of strike action, and 17 per cent voted against it.
Paul Siegert, the NUJ’s national broadcasting organiser, said: “Journalists are striking in defence of services that are valued by communities across the country.
“We do not oppose change within the BBC but believe the manner in which the Digital First strategy is being enforced will destroy access to relevant, local radio that so many rely on.
“This 48-hour strike is about journalists standing up for local radio services, and the public have rallied behind members in their fight to keep local radio local.”
What has the BBC said?
A BBC spokesperson said: “We understand this is a difficult period of change for many colleagues and we will continue to support everyone affected by the plans to strengthen our local online services across news and audio.
“Our goal is to deliver a local service across TV, radio and online that offers more value to more people in more local communities.
“While the plans do impact on individual roles, we are maintaining our overall investment in local services and expect our overall level of editorial staffing across England to remain unchanged.”
