BBC chiefs cut Radio Foyle programming marginally

Radio Foyle currently puts out 8 hours of local programming as part of its day time schedule.

On Monday the BBC announced this will be cut by just under 30 minutes from December 6.

The new schedule will feature new peak time programmes at breakfast and lunchtime "dedicated to reflecting news, community and cultural life in the north west at times when audiences are most available to listen."

The changes will include The Stephen Nolan show being the only choice for North West BBC listeners between 9 and 10.30am for the first time.

In a statement on Monday the BBC described the changes to its schedule as follows.

"A new peak time breakfast programme from 7am-9am. Breakfast, presented by Enda McClafferty and Sarah Brett, is specifically tailored to BBC Radio Foyle listeners and will combine the latest news, sport, comment and analysis from the north west with up-to-date national and international news and a more interactive approach that will allow listeners to voice their views through texts and e-mails.

"A new lunchtime programme from 1pm-3pm. Lunchtime With Mark Patterson will be at the heart of the north west community and cover the broad range of real-life stories, grassroots issues and events there. The programme will also include the popular News At One with a full news and sport round-up.

"A newly extended afternoon music programme from 3pm-5pm presented by Sean Coyle. In a new two-hour slot, Sean Coyle will provide his inimitable brand of banter and play requests and dedications from BBC Radio Foyle listeners."

The Gerry Anderson show survives the changes and will continue between 10.30am and 12noon each morning.

For the first time The Nolan Show will also be made available on BBC Radio Foyle between 9am-10.30am.

The BBC promise this - alongside Radio Ulster staples Talkback and Arts Extra - "will engage with audiences in the north west and bring north west issues to a Northern Ireland-wide audience."

Michael Tumelty, Editor of BBC Radio Foyle, said: "From early morning through to evening, this is a strong, striking and hugely exciting schedule of new and established programmes and talent that puts our audiences in the north west at its heart.

"We have focused our efforts on delivering key programmes at times when our audiences have told us they want to listen.

"This can only allow us to continue to serve and connect with listeners across the north west to a greater degree, which is, after all, the reason we're here."

Peter Johnston, Director, BBC Northern Ireland said: "BBC Radio Foyle plays a vital role in the north west and I believe this evolution of the schedule will strengthen our connection with audiences even more. The strong relationship with BBC Radio Ulster, meanwhile, means the issues from the north west can be represented to wider audiences across Northern Ireland."