David Shukman, BBC's former science editor discusses whether COPs are worthwhile and responds to critics of climate change coverage. We'll unpick the impact of the devastating cuts announced in BBC local radio .

Ahead of COP27 and free of BBC constraints, former BBC science editor, David Shukman tells us whether he thinks COPS are worthwhile, reflects on his reporting during his 38 year career at the BBC and responds to the charges made by Charles Moore on last week's programme on climate change coverage. “Looking back, I don’t think we were robust enough about just saying absolutely bluntly, this is what the very best science is saying.” And in the week when major cuts have been announced in BBC local radio, Paul Siegert, the national broadcasting organiser for the NUJ (National Union of Journalists) questions the case for such far reaching changes to the detriment of the 5.7m local radio listeners. “This isn’t about saving money, this is about moving money from A to B…. I think the BBC has underestimated the love that people have for local radio, it’s the jewel in the broadcasting crown…… They are chasing this mythical younger audience and they don’t seem to be that bothered about losing the loyal older audience.”  Support the podcast by subscribing here. Contact us: @[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.