BBC announces new pilot radio output in Bradford to boost Yorkshire city's listeners

Today the BBC is set out how it would continue its aim to "keep our audiences informed, educated, and entertained" during the autumn and winter.

This involves the new output in Bradford, West Yorkshire, as well as in Wolverhampton and Sunderland, distributed online and on broadcast where possible, providing local news and information.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We’re going to pilot temporary services for Bradford, Sunderland and Wolverhampton in line with our aim to do more for audiences in parts of the country where people use the BBC less than people who live elsewhere.

"The focus will be on local news and information. We have a number of ideas around what this output will be and how it will be delivered.

"We’ll provide further details in due course.”

It comes after the conglomerate Bauer Media Group earlier this year announced the integration various Yorkshire radio stations.

The move meant that Dearne FM (Barnsley), Rother FM (Rotherham), Trax FM (Doncaster and Bassetlaw), Minster FM (York), Stray FM (Harrogate), Yorkshire Coast Radio (Bridlington), Ridings FM (Wakefield) and Pulse 2 (Bradford / Huddersfield) were "rebranded" as Greatest Hits Radio.

The broadcaster also unveiled plans for its Bitesize scheme, helping teachers and students and covering each of the four Nations' national curricula until the Easter holidays on television and online, and programming such as The Big New Year’s In.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “At a time that is challenging for individuals and every family, the BBC plays a unique role in putting a smile on people’s faces, in helping children with their education, connecting people in local communities, and providing some much needed escapism.

"We are incredibly proud to be going the extra mile this Christmas.”