Stephen Williams MP - working hard for Bristol West

Stephen Williams Calls on Broadcasters to Keep Local News Local

2.18.00pm GMT Mon 29th Oct 2007

ITV

Stephen Williams MP has expressed his concern about the proposed cuts to regional news programming that have recently been announced by ITV and the BBC. ITV plans to merge a number of its regional news operations including ITV West and West Country, while the BBC plans to shed over 500 jobs in regional broadcasting.

Stephen Williams commented:

"In an age of increased centralisation of the public space, there is a danger that community voices will become drowned out by national and international news stories. The audience share for ITV West is 13% which is remarkably healthy given the number of channels available to viewers in the age of digital TV; there is clearly a public desire for regional news."

"The planned merger of ITV West with ITV West Country will create an editorial area stretching from Gloucestershire all the way to Cornwall - doubling the region the local news is expected to cover without any increase in its timeslot. This will inevitably mean that fewer of the stories which are reported will be relevant to the viewer."

"Combined with news that the BBC is due to make cuts to a number of their departments over the coming year may also pose a threat to news broadcasting in the area. ITV West and BBC Points West play an important role in communicating local issues to a wide audience. It is vital that they continue to convey a reasonable level of community news alongside national news or they risk weakening the identity of the region."

Bookmark this story at:
Print this news story.
Previous news story: Stephen Williams MP and Paul Harrod Call for Competition to First Bus Monopoly (Wed 17th Oct 2007).
Next news story: Stephen Williams MP Supports 'Chooseday' (Tue 30th Oct 2007).

Related News Stories:

Tue 7th Oct 2008:

Stephen Williams Slams Regional Housing Policy.

Mon 16th Jun 2008:

Stephen Williams Writes to First Bus Concerning Terror Charges.

Thu 24th Apr 2008:

Stephen Williams MP Supports the Building of New Council Houses.

Mon 7th Apr 2008:

Stephen Williams Encourages Local Consultation in Ashley.

Tue 1st Apr 2008:

Stephen Williams Intervenes Decisively On Cycle Path.

Thu 13th Mar 2008:

Stephen Williams MP speaks out to keep major cycle path safe.

Tue 11th Mar 2008:

Stephen Williams MP supports No Smoking Day in Bristol West.

Mon 10th Mar 2008:

Stephen Williams MP shows he cares for carers.

Thu 28th Feb 2008:

Stephen Williams MP Spreads the Word that Screening Matters.

Thu 21st Feb 2008:

Stephen Williams MP calls for more support for poorer undergraduates.

Mon 4th Feb 2008:

Stephen Williams MP slams First Bus.

Mon 21st Jan 2008:

"Roads in Bristol more congested than ever before" - Stephen Williams MP.

Thu 20th Dec 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Joins Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet.

Mon 17th Dec 2007:

"Why I am buying Unwrapped Gifts this Christmas" - Stephen Williams MP.

Thu 13th Dec 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Slams Arena Failure.

Tue 11th Dec 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Urges Local Council Reforms.

Tue 27th Nov 2007:

Stephen Williams MP supports 'Don't Attack Iran Day of Action'.

Mon 26th Nov 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Celebrates Victory For The Eastville Club.

Wed 21st Nov 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Condemns Shambolic Treasury.

Mon 12th Nov 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Voices Concerns Regarding Bullying In Schools.

Fri 9th Nov 2007:

Stephen Williams Launches Climate Change Petition.

Thu 8th Nov 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Calls For Speed Limit Reduction.

Tue 30th Oct 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Supports 'Chooseday'.

Wed 17th Oct 2007:

Stephen Williams MP and Paul Harrod Call for Competition to First Bus Monopoly.

Fri 5th Oct 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Welcomes New Students to Bristol.

Stephen Williams MP Launches NHS Survey.

Thu 4th Oct 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Urges Students to Claim Their Vote.

Wed 12th Sep 2007:

Stephen Williams MP Welcomes Council Support for HMO Campaign.

Thu 16th Aug 2007:

Stephen Williams calls for independent exam review.

Tue 7th Aug 2007:

Stephen Williams Joins Alphonse Petition Submission.

Tue 3rd Jul 2007:

Stephen Williams MP welcomes Smoke Free Bristol.

Stephen Williams MP calls for withdrawal timetable for our troops in Iraq.

Tue 12th Jun 2007:

Stephen Williams MP supports calls from new Councillor for sustainable student housing.

Tue 22nd May 2007:

Stephen Williams MP comments on Blue Badge complaint .

Fri 11th May 2007:

Stephen Williams MP visits new Redland school site.

Tue 6th Mar 2007:

Stephen Williams MP to attend Abolition 200 Commemorative Service.

Thu 1st Mar 2007:

Let's be bold on nukes, says Stephen Williams MP.

Wed 28th Feb 2007:

Cuts to language classes will undermine community cohesion says Stephen Williams MP .

Wed 21st Feb 2007:

Stephen Williams MP backs Post Office protest.

Fri 16th Feb 2007:

Stephen Williams MP - officially the greenest MP in the west.

Wed 14th Feb 2007:

Stephen Williams MP welcomes potential investment in St Pauls.

Stephen Williams MP calls on war veterans to claim their badge of honour.

Sat 10th Feb 2007:

Stephen Williams calls for suspension of Iraqi deportations.

Fri 9th Feb 2007:

Stephen Williams MP calls on employers to rise to the training challenge.

Thu 8th Feb 2007:

Stephen Williams MP backs @Bristol Science Centre.

Tue 30th Jan 2007:

Stephen Williams MP expresses concerns over growth of DNA database.

Stephen Williams MP calls for international action against homophobia.

Mon 29th Jan 2007:

Stephen Williams MP marks Holocaust Memorial Day.

Tue 23rd Jan 2007:

Stephen Williams MP calls for lower taxes on greener fuels.

Fri 19th Jan 2007:

Stephen Williams MP calls on government to fund Severn Beach Line.

Thu 18th Jan 2007:

Stephen Williams MP backs Sustainable Communities Bill.

Fri 12th Jan 2007:

Stephen Williams MP opens charity HQ.

Fri 5th Jan 2007:

Stephen Williams MP calls for rethink on Memorial Stadium plans.

Fri 22nd Dec 2006:

Stephen Williams MP test drives low emission car.

Wed 13th Dec 2006:

Stephen Williams MP welcomes action on teaching of creationism.

Thu 7th Dec 2006:

Stephen Williams MP condemns Ofcom decision on advertising of junk food .

Fri 1st Dec 2006:

Stephen Williams MP gets cancer charity award.

Thu 23rd Nov 2006:

Stephen Williams MP speaks out against school bullying in Youtube debut.

Stephen Williams MP visits Christmas homeless charity.

Fri 17th Nov 2006:

Stephen Williams MP leads by example to combat climate chaos.

Tue 14th Nov 2006:

Labour are turning students into consumers says Stephen Williams MP.

Fri 10th Nov 2006:

Stephen Williams MP takes a stand against BIA expansion.

Thu 9th Nov 2006:

Stephen Williams MP praises Bristol reading charity.

Wed 8th Nov 2006:

Stephen Williams MP nominated for 'Politician of the Year'.

Mon 6th Nov 2006:

Stephen Williams MP attempts to juggle 'three planet' lifestyle.

Mon 30th Oct 2006:

Stephen Williams MP takes part in 'Make A Difference' day.

Thu 26th Oct 2006:

More honesty needed on school funding, says Stephen Williams MP.

Tue 24th Oct 2006:

Stephen Williams MP visits St. Agnes Community Boxing Project .

Stephen Williams MP calls for VAT reduction on health drinks.

Thu 19th Oct 2006:

Stephen Williams MP Criticises Government record on university access for the disadvantaged.

Mon 16th Oct 2006:

Stephen Williams MP signs Banksy Petition.

Fri 13th Oct 2006:

Stephen Williams MP calls for rethink on abolition of Post Office Card Account.

Stephen Williams MP Condemns Decision to Withhold NHS Alzheimer's Drugs .

Wed 11th Oct 2006:

Stephen Williams MP consults local businesses on Lib Dem tax proposals.

Fri 6th Oct 2006:

Stephen Williams MP praises Bristol based charity.

Mon 25th Sep 2006:

Don't Delay - Check Your Hearing Today Urges Stephen Williams MP.

Sat 9th Sep 2006:

Stephen Williams MP presents certificates to British citizen hopefuls.

Thu 7th Sep 2006:

Stephen Williams MP helps launch poverty report.

Stephen Williams MP backs IFAW's Think Twice campaign.

Wed 6th Sep 2006:

Stephen Williams MP slams rise in suspension bridge tolls.

Fri 18th Aug 2006:

New figures highlight debt problems for Bristolians says Stephen Williams MP .

Mon 31st Jul 2006:

Stephen Williams MP urges people to get involved in the St Mary le Port consultation.

Wed 26th Jul 2006:

Stephen Williams MP calls for sane approach to asylum and immigration debate.

Stephen Williams MP calls for ceasefire in Middle East.

Wed 19th Jul 2006:

Stephen Williams MP condemns threat to music technology A-level.

Mon 17th Jul 2006:

Stephen Williams MP takes part in graffiti clean up action.

Stephen Williams MP calls for local landmark to be saved from bulldozers.

Fri 14th Jul 2006:

Stephen Williams MP calls for Bristol's fair share of transport cash.

Stephen Williams MP condemns government waste on botched police mergers.

Mon 10th Jul 2006:

Stephen Williams MP condemns confused government policy on SEN.

Fri 7th Jul 2006:

Stephen Williams MP says "NO" to Bristol Airport Expansion.

Tue 4th Jul 2006:

Stephen Williams MP criticises BBC governors at EuroPride rally.

Tue 13th Jun 2006:

Stephen Williams MP calls on young people to take part in online job prospects debate.

Thu 8th Jun 2006:

Stephen Williams MP launches petition against homophobic bullying.

Fri 2nd Jun 2006:

Students should not continue to suffer in lecturers' pay dispute says Stephen Williams MP.

Fri 26th May 2006:

Stephen Williams MP backs remembrance day for victims of slavery.

Wed 24th May 2006:

Stephen Williams MP's lungs are for life!

Mon 22nd May 2006:

Stephen Williams MP backs calls on celebrities to stop endorsing secured debt products.

Thu 18th May 2006:

Stephen Williams MP promises the earth for World Environment Day.

Wed 17th May 2006:

Stephen Williams MP welcomes government decision over Bristol PCT.

Tue 16th May 2006:

Stephen Williams MP Congratulates Innovative Champions at City of Bristol College.

Fri 12th May 2006:

Stephen Williams MP backs Million Faces campaign.

Thu 11th May 2006:

Stephen Williams MP starts Commons investigation into school bullying.

Wed 5th Apr 2006:

Stephen Williams MP highlights fight against homophobia.

Tue 4th Apr 2006:

Stephen Williams MP highlights state of dentistry in Bristol.

Thu 30th Mar 2006:

Stephen Williams MP takes Brunel's achievements to Parliament.

Wed 29th Mar 2006:

Stephen Williams MP calls for new look at Severn Barrage.

Fri 24th Mar 2006:

Stephen Williams MP highlights child cancer care.

Wed 22nd Mar 2006:

Stephen Williams MP congratulates Oscar Winners.

Mon 20th Mar 2006:

Stephen Williams MP gets Higher Education brief.

Mon 6th Mar 2006:

Stephen Williams responds to speculation on condom tax.

Stephen Williams MP to attend Abolition 200 commemorative service.

Wed 1st Mar 2006:

Stephen Williams MP takes part in 'Carbon Speed Dating' challenge.

Mon 27th Feb 2006:

Stephen Williams MP welcomes Chancellor's support for votes at 16.

Wed 22nd Feb 2006:

Stephen Williams MP welcomes ex-Conservative Councillor to the Lib Dems.

Wed 15th Feb 2006:

Stephen Williams MP highlights problems for homeowners in Bristol.

Fri 10th Feb 2006:

Stephen Williams calls for halt to Iraqi deportations.

Mon 30th Jan 2006:

Stephen Williams MP spins the wheel of life to highlight cancer prevention.

Fri 27th Jan 2006:

Stephen Williams MP fights to keep Waterloo rail service.

Thu 26th Jan 2006:

Stephen Williams MP backs annual loud tie campaign.

Tue 24th Jan 2006:

Stephen Williams MP calls for tailored approach to welfare reform.

Wed 18th Jan 2006:

Stephen Williams MP calls for improvements in headache services.

Thu 12th Jan 2006:

Room for improvement in tackling cancer - Stephen Williams MP.

Thu 5th Jan 2006:

Stephen Williams MP calls time on airline discrimination.

Thu 22nd Dec 2005:

Stephen Williams MP attacks Labour's burden on doctors.

Fri 16th Dec 2005:

Stephen Williams MP takes part in scientist pairing scheme.

Wed 14th Dec 2005:

Stephen Williams MP calls for increased funding for children's hospices.

Tue 13th Dec 2005:

Stephen Williams MP calls for repeal of draconian anti-protest law.

Tue 6th Dec 2005:

Stephen Williams MP calls on Labour to slash condom tax.

Wed 30th Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP fights to lower voting age.

Thu 24th Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP backs national campaign for warm homes.

Mon 21st Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP supports Caring at Christmas open day.

Stephen Williams MP speaks out against super-sizing Bristol's police force.

Wed 16th Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP warns of hidden rise in unemployment.

Tue 15th Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP calls for votes at 16.

Thu 10th Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP exposes government ignorance on nuclear power.

Wed 9th Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP calls on tax credit overpayment families to complain to ombudsman.

Tue 8th Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP meets trade justice campaigners.

Mon 7th Nov 2005:

Stephen Williams MP demands pensions justice for women and carers.

Fri 4th Nov 2005:

Shocking increase in house repossessions in Bristol - Stephen Williams MP.

Mon 31st Oct 2005:

Stephen Williams MP takes part in Make a Difference Day.

Fri 28th Oct 2005:

Over 1000 local pensioners missing out on pension credit says Stephen Williams MP.

Thu 27th Oct 2005:

Stephen Williams MP makes a stand on three month terror law.

Stephen Williams MP joins calls for cash machine charges to be scrapped.

Wed 26th Oct 2005:

Stephen Williams MP speaks to gifted young people at Westminster.

Mon 24th Oct 2005:

Stephen Williams MP welcomes campaign to keep sexual health advice confidential.

Fri 21st Oct 2005:

STEPHEN WILLIAMS MP TO VOTE IN PRIVATE ARMED FORCES BILL.

STEPHEN WILLIAMS MP TO OPEN CHRISTMAS CHARITY CARD SHOP.

Thu 20th Oct 2005:

Government Failing to Prevent Pensions Crisis - Stephen Williams MP.

Tue 18th Oct 2005:

Stephen Williams MP backs calls to scrap the licensing act.

Mon 17th Oct 2005:

Cost of ID Cards will hit the poorest the hardest says Stephen Williams MP.

Thu 13th Oct 2005:

Stephen Williams MP calls for a tailored approach for people on incapacity benefit.

Tue 11th Oct 2005:

Stephen Williams MP condemns government waste.

Stephen Williams MP backs microgeneration to beat global warming.

Mon 10th Oct 2005:

Stephen Williams MP to meet local pensioners at parliament.

Tue 28th Jun 2005:

Stephen Williams MP condemns ID cards.

Fri 27th May 2005:

Stephen Williams MP makes maiden speech.

Wed 4th May 2005:

Lib Dem founder backs Stephen Williams.

Tue 26th Apr 2005:

Stephen Williams can win in Bristol West says new poll.

Sun 24th Apr 2005:

Stephen Williams supports Make Poverty History Campaign.

Tue 15th Mar 2005:

Stephen Williams demands apology from Labour over nuisance phone calls.

Mon 24th Jun 2002:

Stephen Williams chosen again for key marginal seat.

Related Press Articles:

Thu 22nd Dec 2005:

Article for Bristol Civic Society on sustainable communities by Stephen Williams MP.

Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX.
Published and promoted by Chris Luffingham on behalf of Stephen Williams and the Liberal Democrats, both at Unit 6, Fenton Court, Fenton Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8ND.
The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider.