Trust rejects Beebs intrusion into local journalism

So perhaps not surprsingly in the current media climate the BBC Trust has rejected the corportaions attempts to go head to head with the local media.

This from the report

Whilst local video has the potential to deliver some public value it does not represent the most efficient use of licence fee funds, especially given access issues for non-broadband users and limited reach to key audience groups. We also recognise the negative market impact that could result from expansion of BBC online news provision at a local level at a time when commercial providers face structural and cyclical pressures. Conversely, that potential strain on local news provision has led in some cases to a reduction in editorial staff in the local press and commercial radio sector and could be used by some to justify a public intervention in the market.

There were always going to be arguments on both sides of the fence but I come down on the side of the Trust's decision given the current pressures in the local media,it was always going to be an unacceptable use of license fee resources.

However for the longer term it is important that the BBC does not abandon its cross pollinisation policy and shared technology