Save River City – write to your MP

Following the BBC’s announcement earlier this month that they are cancelling the continuing drama River City, the petition has now reached over 11,000 signatures. Thanks to all our members who have signed!

As part of our Save River City campaign, we are now calling on our members to write to their MP (especially if they represent a Scottish constituency) and raise your concerns about the loss of River City. Find out who your MP is and write to them here.

In doing so you may want to:

• Highlight the loss of over 20 hours a year of distinctly Scottish drama, the equivalent of over 40 episodes a year.
• Stress the impact on jobs and the economy in Scotland. River City represented an annual investment of over £9 million a year and provided work for more than 30 writers as well as the cast and crew. The site in Dumbarton is also used to train local college students hoping to join the creative industries – an opportunity lost if this decision goes ahead.
• Highlight the importance of continuing drama to the television eco-system.
• Raise the fact that continuing drama has launched many careers and provides a vital talent pipeline.
• Ask your MP if they would be willing to raise the issue in the House of Commons and urge BBC Scotland to reverse the decision.
• Encourage them to request a briefing from the WGGB by contacting admin@writersguild.org.uk

Bookmark our campaign page for further updates and contact john@writersguild.org.uk if you would like to get involved.