Why is there no local news on BBC Breakfast?

If you’re looking for the local news on BBC Breakfast, we have the answer (Picture: BBC)

BBC Breakfast viewers might be wondering why they have not been able to catch the local news live on the programme during the week.

The daily news programme, fronted by the likes of Louise Minchin, Dan Walker and Jon Kay, typically includes a segment where the BBC Breakfast studio cuts away to local news reporters who deliver the latest headlines to viewers depending on where they live in the country.

People complained on social media about not being able to catch up with the latest in their area this week, contacting BBC Breakfast on Twitter to find out what’s going on.

The BBC has shared an explanation as to why the regular segment is missing, saying the Covid-19 pandemic has been causing issues with their local news teams.

The broadcaster said it is ‘implementing short-term measures’ to help safeguard regional TV news services during peak hours.

Why is there no local news on BBC Breakfast?

A BBC spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘Like employers in every area of the economy, we’re experiencing staffing shortages caused by Covid.

‘Apart from a few exceptions, we have maintained a normal service 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 have implemented some short-term measures to ease pressure on our teams.’

Are Louise Minchin and Dan Walker leaving BBC Breakfast?

There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that Dan Walker is not leaving BBC Breakfast, although he has not been on air recently following his coverage of Tokyo 2020 on Olympic Breakfast.

Dan may also need some extra time away from the red sofa to practice his waltz, samba, American Smooth, jive and all the rest of it, as he is taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Joking about his dancing skills – or lack of – the presenter admitted he is ‘not making any room on our shelf for the glitterball’.

‘I am definitely excited, a little bit worried, mostly terrified and a small part of me is considering going into hiding!’ he added.

‘My kids have only ever asked me to go on two shows… Saturday Mash-Up and Strictly. I did Saturday Mash-Up this summer so… it’s time to embrace the sequins.’

The bad news is that Louise is indeed leaving BBC Breakfast after over 20 years on the programme.

She confirmed in June this year she is stepping down, saying: ‘I have decided it is time I stopped setting my alarm for 3.40 in the morning.’

After ‘taking a deep breath’, Louise told viewers: ‘This year, it will be 20 years since I first presented this programme. Since then I felt part of a huge BBC Breakfast family which includes everyone who works here, everyone on the team and every one of you who watches the programme. I’ve loved being part of it.

More: Coronavirus

‘But. There is a but. You know about the but. I have decided that is time that I stopped setting my alarm for 3.40 – sometimes when I’m feeling really rebellious, 3.46 – in the morning, and I’m going to be leaving the programme.’

Louise added that her departure will ‘not be for a while’.

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One.

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