BBC Radio Bradford service to launch in December

BBC Radio Bradford will launch next month as the area enters tier 3 in the Government’s new post-Lockdown system.

The ultra-local station will have its own Breakfast and Mid-Morning shows, along with local news bulletins and sport output.

In an email to staff on Thursday, Head of Audio and Digital Chris Burns says new funding has been made available to run BBC Radio Bradford, so staff at Radio Leeds won’t be required to take on extra work.

“To get up and running as quickly as we can, we will broadcast from existing studios at BBC Radio Leeds,” Chris added.

BBC Radio Bradford is the first of many ultra-local stations being planned by the corporation, with Sunderland and Wolverhampton already announced.

The BBC has not said if the service will be on DAB or online only, but did tell RadioToday: “We’re starting temporary output in Bradford in December, providing a more localised service for the city during COVID-19.

“During this short-run, there will be a dedicated breakfast and mid-morning programme plus more localised news and sport content. This is an opportunity for us to offer extra news and information to audiences when and where it is needed.”