Davie unveils “biggest transformation of the BBC in decades”

BBC director-general Tim Davie has today announced a six-year plan to move its creative and journalistic centre away from London.

The corporation claims that by 2027/28 it will be spending “at the very least, an extra £700m cumulatively across the UK”. It says this will generate an additional economic benefit of over £850 million.

Tim Davie says: “Our mission must be to deliver for the whole of the UK and ensure every household gets value from the BBC. These plans will get us closer to audiences, create jobs and investment, and develop and nurture new talent.

“Over the last year, the BBC – which has been an essential part of the UK’s culture, democracy and creativity for almost a century – has helped inform, educate and entertain all four Nations, as we have collectively faced some of our toughest moments in recent history.

“Now, as we look to the future, we must play our part in supporting social and economic recovery; rebuilding the creative sector and telling the stories that need to be heard from all corners of the UK.”

Key points

Moving power and decision-making to nations and regions

• NORTHERN IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES
  • Expanding Glasgow and Cardiff as centres of engineering and product excellence.
  • Expanding BBC Studios bases in Cardiff and Glasgow.
  • Upgrading the Belfast HQ.
  • At least 20 new and returning comedy and drama titles portraying Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

• ENGLISH REGIONS
  • Up to six new peak-time local radio stations, including Bradford, Sunderland and Wolverhampton.
  • Tailored BBC One for the north of England.
  • BBC One regions in high definition.
  • 100 new local video journalists.
  • Online personalisation.
  • 24/7 online regional news coverage.
  • More than 50 new local on-demand audio bulletins.

• BIRMINGHAM
  • Relocation of BBC Asian Network.
  • Relocation of BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat.

• SALFORD
  • Relocation of BBC One’s Morning Live.
  • Relocation of BBC Radio 3.
  • Relocation of BBC Radio 6 Music.
  • Main base for digital and technology – a global centre of excellence.
  • Relocation of BBC World Service Business.
  • Relocation of Radio Current Affairs.
  • BBC Studios production.

• BY 2027/2028
  • 60% of UK TV production will be across the UK.
  • 50% of UK Radio production will be across the UK.

Commissioning of TV programmes

• For the first time, a clear majority of UK-wide TV will be made across the UK – not in London.
• At least 60% of network TV commissions by spend.

Commissioning and production of network radio and online audio

• 50% of network radio and music spend will be outside London by 2027/28.

Major parts of BBC News to shift across the UK

• Half of UK-focused story teams will be based around the country, ensuring the BBC covers the stories that matter most to audiences, and more effectively represents different voices and perspectives.
• Climate and Science news team will move to Cardiff.
• The Technology team will move to Glasgow.
• Learning and Identity will move to Leeds.
• Co-location of a new story team in Leeds – charged with finding new, original and audience-focused stories.
• Radio Business and Current Affairs teams will move to Salford.

Acknowledgements