Kevin Bonavia has asked the BBC to rethink cuts to Three Counties Radio, keep local evening and weekend shows and consult listeners before any further changes.

Stevenage’s MP, Kevin Bonavia, has asked the BBC to reconsider planned cuts to BBC Three Counties Radio, and to keep a strong level of local evening and weekend programmes on the station that serves Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

He wrote to the BBC’s Director General, Matt Brittin, on 2 October after a constituent raised concerns, asking him to consider “reversing this decision” and to consult listeners and local communities before making any further changes. He has published the letter on his Facebook page and says he is waiting for a reply.

What the letter says

The letter, headed “Funding for BBC Three Counties Radio”, sets out the constituent’s case. He told the MP the station provides “a genuinely local service” across the three counties and is “an important part of the community, providing local news, information, sport, entertainment and, importantly, companionship to many listeners.”

The constituent singled out the evening and weekend programmes, which the letter says “provide opportunities for local communities, clubs, charities, voluntary organisations, local businesses, sports teams and individuals to have their voices heard.”

Letter on House of Commons paper from Kevin Bonavia MP to Matt Brittin CBE, BBC Director General, dated 2 October 2026, headed Funding for BBC Three Counties Radio, asking him to consider reversing the cuts and to consult listeners before further changes
Kevin Bonavia's letter to the BBC Director General about Three Counties Radio. Photo: supplied by the office of Kevin Bonavia MP

He is particularly concerned, the letter says, that the BBC has already “significantly reduced” the amount of genuinely local programming. According to the letter, the BBC’s 2022 plans proposed major programme sharing across BBC Local Radio, cutting local programming largely to weekday mornings and lunchtimes, with much of the rest of the weekday and weekend schedule shared regionally or nationally. The constituent says those plans put up to 139 Local Radio posts at risk.

For Three Counties Radio, the letter says, that meant programmes shared with other stations across the East of England: weekday afternoon shows shared between Three Counties Radio and Northampton, and evening and weekend programmes shared across “a much larger area”.

The MP’s office describes the latest proposals as part of a wider programme of BBC closures and cuts to television and radio services across the country.

“A unique and valuable service”

In a statement released with the letter, Mr Bonavia said:

“Local media provides us with news and entertainment that is truly rooted in our communities. It’s a unique and valuable service that can’t easily be replaced.

“Three Counties Radio keeps people informed, gives local charities, sports clubs, businesses and community groups a voice, and provides companionship to listeners who might otherwise feel isolated. I’m particularly concerned the cuts being proposed will mean fewer opportunities for local people to hear their stories reflected on air.

“The BBC is a treasured British institution, and a strong public service broadcaster is more important than ever. At a time of growing misinformation and increasing threats to informed public debate, we need trusted, independent journalism that serves the whole country.

“I recognise the financial pressures facing the BBC, but we must not lose sight of its public service mission. That means protecting local broadcasting, not allowing communities to feel increasingly disconnected from the national conversation.”

He added:

“Communities across the country deserve to have their voices heard. I’m calling on the BBC to reconsider these plans, protect a strong level of local content on Three Counties Radio and properly listen to the people who rely on its service.”

What he is asking the BBC to do

The letter makes three requests of the Director General:

  • consider reversing its decision to introduce the cuts;
  • make sure Three Counties Radio keeps “a strong level of local evening and weekend content”;
  • consult listeners and local communities before any further changes are made.

What it means for you

Nothing changes on air because of the letter itself: the BBC has not yet replied, and Mr Bonavia says he will keep pressing it to take local listeners’ concerns seriously. If you listen to Three Counties Radio in the evenings or at weekends, or your club, charity or business has been on air, you can tell the MP how you use the station through his website. The concerns in this letter started with one constituent getting in touch.

If your Stevenage group has a story to tell, you can also send it to us.