The BBC has announced a new tender process for its Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
- The LDRS funds journalism in local news through 165 reporters in commercial newsrooms.
- Over 440,000 stories have been produced for more than 1,100 news outlets since 2017.
- A 6.5% funding increase marks the BBC’s commitment to supporting local journalism.
- New contract phase starts July 2025, running for two-and-a-half years.
The BBC is set to begin a new tendering process for its Local Democracy Reporting Service, a scheme designed to bolster local journalism across the UK. This initiative funds a network of 165 journalists, all based in commercial newsrooms, who are tasked with the critical role of scrutinising local authorities.
Since its establishment in 2017, the service has significantly contributed to the local news landscape, producing over 440,000 stories for more than 1,100 print, broadcast, and online outlets. This reflects the extensive reach and impact of the LDRS in promoting transparent and accountable local governance.
Jason Horton, the director of BBC Local, highlighted the importance of the LDRS amid the challenges faced by the news industry. He asserted that the scheme represents a vital part of the BBC’s mission to deliver trusted and impartial news. Horton stated, “We recognise that there are critical challenges facing the news industry today and we are determined to play our part in addressing them.”
With 118 contracts available, each accommodating up to three reporters, the BBC is poised to enhance its support for local journalism through this strategic tender. Existing news organisations with approved access to LDRS content can participate in the bidding process, with successful contracts announced by April 2025.
A noteworthy 6.5% funding increase, effective July 2025, underscores the BBC’s commitment to adapting to economic pressures, particularly inflation. Historically, funding and salary levels have seen annual increases of 1.5%, but this one-off rise reflects such financial challenges within the current contract period.
The increase will also raise the minimum salary levels for Local Democracy Reporters, an adjustment prompted by findings from the National Union of Journalists. These findings revealed disparities in pay, with some junior reporters earning as little as £16,998 annually, while senior reporters outside London receiving the minimum BBC-set rate of £24,055, despite publishers receiving significantly higher funding per role.
The new contract phase, beginning on 1 July 2025, will run for two-and-a-half years, aligning with the end of the current BBC Charter. This move signifies the BBC’s strategic approach to ensuring the sustainability and reach of local journalism.
The BBC’s launch of a new tender process for the LDRS illustrates its ongoing commitment to fostering local journalism in the UK.
