The Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann has called on the BBC to halt proposals to reduce the ‘Pipes and Drums’ programme to six-episodes.
Robin Swann MLA said:
“I must express my disappointment at the news that the BBC has decided to further reduce its coverage of the local Pipe Band scene by only scheduling the Radio Ulster ‘Pipes and Drums’ programme for a six-episode summer series.
“Two years ago there were 16 programmes, last year this was reduced to 12 and now it has been reduced further to 6.
“This is not an expensive programme to make, and if the issue is down to audience figures, then I would ask what steps the BBC has taken to publicise the programme and grow the audience?
“Northern Ireland has dozens of pipe bands, stretching across every county, and they are particularly strong in my own constituency of North Antrim. Some are world champions, and all are a key component of Ulster Scots culture, part of the fabric of many communities and bring enjoyment to many thousands of people. I am a member of a pipe band myself.
“Rather than reduce coverage of pipe bands, I believe the BBC should be seeking to enhance it, by looking at the stories behind many of these bands, how and why they were founded and how they have endured to the present day.
“I will be contacting the BBC to seek an explanation for the reduction in programmes and to encourage them to look at expanding coverage rather than reducing it.”