Government ministers are strongly apposed to the BBC’s plan to extend its local news coverage, reports the Financial Times, and are examining whether they have the power to block the move if the BBC Trust fails to.
The trust is due to make an initial ruling on BBC Local – an investment of £68 million into local news videos online – today.
The FT is also reporting that the trust is considering telling BBC director-general Mark Thompson that the plan should be delayed for two years until the downturn in press and radio advertising is over and the commercial sector is in better financial health.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog