NUJ members working for BBC England have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in response to proposed local radio changes.
Under the plans, announced late last year, the corporation intends to cut the number of local radio shows across its 40-strong network of stations and instead produce regional shows which would simulcast on multiple stations, in addition to the introduction of some national programming.
The BBC has argued that the measures will be headcount-neutral and cost-neutral as it instead beefs up digital provision of local services, but nonetheless some journalists will be unable to make the transition and will lose their jobs.
In a postal ballot of members of the National Union of Journalists who are BBC employees, 83% of respondents indicated a wish to pursue strike action, with 17% voting against.
Plans for the dates of the strike action are expected to be confirmed imminently, with the NUJ previously suggesting that a strike could be timed to coincide with the coronation of King Charles on the weekend of May 6.
The last major strike was in 2010, when action over a pensions dispute led to shows such as BBC Breakfast and Newsnight dropping off air. body check tags ::
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