A number of voices have been raised in this paper decrying the downsizing of the BBC’s presence in the West Midlands.

The closure of Pebble Mill, then the switching of factual programmes to Salford and Bristol, makes me seriously question the Beeb’s commitment to, and ability to reflect, the largest conurbation outside London.

It was at this point – the announcement of 150 jobs losses at the Mailbox – that my affection for the Auntie I grew up with was finally expunged.

What we’re left with is Midlands Today in terms of non-fiction in Birmingham.

I have a residual affection for this too, as I have for Central News, which has equally been battered by staff cuts.

The problem for Midlands Today, however, as for all the BBC’s regional news output, is the overbearing and centralised control exerted over it from HQ.

By steady degrees what was once a quasi-independent local news programme has become a platform for the Corporation to push its national agendas.