Uncertainty surrounds the future of BBC local radio stations amid reports that programming could be severely cut back as the corporation seeks to save millions of pounds.

According to the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) there is a threat that the only output from local BBC stations in the future will be a breakfast show and a drive-time show at teatime.

If this happened at BBC Suffolk it would mean the end of shows such as those currently presented by James Hazell in the mid-morning and Lesley Dolphin in the afternoon.

Breakfast time presenter Mark Murphy and drive time broadcaster Stephen Foster would survive.

For Radio Norfolk this would mean Chris Goreham and Matthew Gudgin could stay on, while shows including those by Stephen Bumfrey and David Clayton could fall.

According to reports, the rest of the programming would be covered by national shows from BBC 5 Live.

The proposals are said to be part of moves by the BBC to cut costs at its 40 local radio stations across the UK, which could put an estimated 700 jobs at risk.

It hopes to save �400m from its budget following the decision last year to freeze the licence fee.

Together, the BBC's local radio stations have an average weekly audience of 7.4m listeners.

According to the NUJ, BBC staff will be briefed today about a series of proposals for the future of local radio, however a spokesman for the corporation has denied this.

The union claims BBC staff fear the plans would mean the loss of at least 700 jobs and the possible closure of some stations.

The organisation has called on the BBC to 'step back from the brink' and protect the important role of local radio.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said: 'Local radio plays a crucial role in keeping local communities informed.

'These proposals would rip the heart out of local programming and effectively sound the death knell for local radio.

'Local radio programmes are produced by local people for local audiences yet these decisions are being taken far away from communities and behind closed doors.'

Last night, a spokesman for the BBC said no decisions had been made, so it would be wrong to speculate.

'It is of course only right that BBC staff have an opportunity to input ideas about shaping the BBC's future,' she said.

'The Delivering Quality First sessions are designed to provoke discussion amongst staff about the way the BBC works and any decisions coming out of the process would be subject to approval by the BBC Trust.'

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