In an interview James has raised his concerns at plans by the BBC to reduce the local content on BBC Radio Norfolk and its other 38 local stations.
Local radio is valued by people across Norfolk, particularly in rural areas and by older listeners. The BBC enjoys a privileged position due to the licence fee and as a result it has obligations to provide programming of particular relevance to the area and communities it serves.
Therefore, the plans released by the BBC to cut local programmes and shift resources to more online news – without consulting local people – are concerning. Under the proposals, local programming would only be provided from 6am to 2pm on weekdays alongside news and live sport. They would see the loss of local content from 2pm on a weekday - with content shared across different radio stations instead. These plans do not save money so this is not about the licence fee being frozen - it is a choice BBC bosses are making.
The BBC needs to think again and listen to its licence-fee payers to protect distinctive local content.
James also spoke about Treasure Quest, one of his favourite shows.
