Radio journalists have taken to picket lines as they continue to protest proposals to cut output at the BBC.

Members of the National Union of Journalists have backed a walkout after plans were announced to merge radio content with other counties in the South of England including Surrey and Kent.

Now, journalists will strike for 48 hours in protest at the decision including picket lines outside the studio in Queen's Road, Brighton.

Paul Siegert, the NUJ’s Broadcasting Organiser said: “Members have shared their disappointment over the treatment of colleagues who have had to reapply for their jobs.

Results of the no confidence vote indicate the strength of many journalists, alongside frustrations about the BBC’s handling of the dispute, members want to avoid strike action and remain doing the jobs they love.

“The NUJ is urging the BBC to reconsider its plans that will leave a lasting impact on local radio.”

Under the plans BBC Radio Sussex would change their weekday afternoon show to link with Kent as well as Surrey.

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Evening and weekend programmes would also be merged to be regional or national content other than news bulletins and sports coverage.

A poll of NUJ members across England found that 93 per cent of voters had no confidence in the leadership of the local news teams.

A spokesman for the BBC previously said: “Our local plans are about delivering an even better service to communities across England, reflecting how audiences use the BBC, strengthening our online provision and increasing the impact of our journalism.

“We have consulted extensively with the NUJ over recent months and adapted our plans in response to feedback.

“We have assured teams working across our 39 BBC local bases that we will maintain overall investment and staffing levels in local services and we’ll work hard to minimise the risk of compulsory redundancies.”