AROUND 90 BBC staff in Birmingham are to walk out for 24 hours this week amid fears that the city will become a “media ghost town”.

Dozens of studio managers, producers, researchers and programme makers will desert their desks for a day, threatening output of The Archers, Countryfile, Hairy Bikers and other programmes.

Strike action by members of broadcasting union BECTU members will start at 3.30pm on Wednesday and will run through to 3.30pm the following day.

A public rally will also take place in Victoria Square at 2pm on Thursday.

BECTU insists that plans to move production of network TV content such as Countryfile, Coast and Hairy Bikers to Bristol “make no creative or financial sense”.

BECTU national official Anna Murray said: “These plans make no sense whatsoever; no money will be saved and production capacity and talent for the Midlands will be lost.

“The regional economy will be dealt a body blow and the aspirations of those wanting to enter the industry will be dashed.