NUJ chief Jeremy Dear has told union members he is “slightly bemused” by regional press protests over the BBC’s local video plans.

The general secretary of the National Union of Journalists said complaints about the plans made no sense, while speaking at the Federation of Entertainment Union debate in Parliament.

The BBC has been engaged in a long-running review of whether to increase its online content to include local video news.

Last week regional press bosses, including Trinity Mirror chief executive Sly Bailey, reacted angrily to comments made by BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons.

Mr Lyons was reported as saying “nobody could be satisfied” with the quality of local newspapers.

Yesterday Jeremy Dear told the debate he could only understand objections from newspaper publishers if the BBC was taking advertising online.

He added that newspaper publishers’ arguments against the plans left him “slightly bemused” and attacks were driven by commercial interest.

Comments

mark sherwood (22/10/2008 13:02:48)
Wow! It’s a bit worrying if the NUJ doesn’t understand the relationship between audience and advertising income.

John T (23/10/2008 08:34:03)
Unfortunately, the NUJ doesn’t understand the word income at all.

sam (23/10/2008 12:27:31)
Reduced audience to commercial media, reduced revenue for commercial media, reduced jobs in commercial media – fewer journalists. Well played Mr Dear your member must be absolutely delighted with your efforts