Why is there no local news on BBC Breakfast?

BBC Breakfast viewers have been left puzzled by the programme's decision to not include the regional bulletins this week.

The daily news programme, fronted by the likes of Dan Walker and Louise Minchin, usually cuts away to different studios to deliver local news depending on viewers' locations.

But when BBC Breakfast returned to televisions screens after going off air for two weeks as the channel covered the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the segment was not brought back in.

Viewers took to social media to complain about not being able to catch up with the latest news in their area, contacting BBC Breakfast on Twitter for answers.

The BBC has shared an explanation as to why the regular segment is missing, saying the Covid-19 pandemic is causing problems for regional news teams.

Why is there no local news on BBC Breakfast?

Like many companies, the BBC is experiencing a staff shortage due to the coronavirus 'pingdemic'.

The broadcasters said it was 'implementing short-term measures' to help safeguard local TV news services during peak hours.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Like employers in every area of the economy, we’re experiencing unprecedented staffing shortages caused by Covid. Apart from a few exceptions, we have maintained normal services so far.

Our priority is to protect the most popular news programme on TV; the regional news at 6.30pm on BBC One. To do this we are implementing some short-term measures to ease pressure on our teams.”

What do changes mean for viewers?

The changes mean that some viewers will not be able to see the local televisions schedules aired throughout the summer period, and some areas may find their evening news bulletins being replaced by a neighbouring regions.

Which areas are impacted?

While English viewers are expected to no longer receive local news updates, Scottish, Irish and Welsh viewers will still have access to regional coverage.

When will local bulletins return?

The BBC have told viewers they can expect the regional segments to return in September.

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