The Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann MLA has repeated his call for the BBC to reverse its decision to reduce coverage of the local pipe band scene.
Robin Swann MLA said:
“I recently wrote to the BBC to 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.
“In their response the BBC states that ‘Pipe band music has been a long-established and popular feature of BBC Radio Ulster’s schedule’ and ‘the BBC acknowledges that ‘we have made a number of scheduling changes on BBC Radio Ulster over recent years to accommodate a more diverse range of specialist music.’
“This is all well and good, but the fact remains that two years ago there were 16 programmes of ‘Pipes and Drums.’ Last year this was reduced to 12 and now it has been reduced further to 6.
“As a piper myself, I know the value of the local pipe band scene and just how vibrant it is throughout Northern Ireland and the positive impact it has on communities and individuals who derive great enjoyment from it.
“The one piece of encouragement in the BBC response is the line, ‘everything that we do is kept under review’ and the commitment that ‘colleagues have been asked to look again at the balance, volume and regularity of different music strands.’
“I will certainly be encouraging the BBC to enhance its coverage of the Pipe band scene and I urge all those who value this important part of our heritage and musical tradition to do likewise.”