As part of his plan to move jobs outside of London, BBC director general Tim Davie has revealed the corporation intends to make Salford a global centre of excellence for digital and technology.
Setting out his ambitions for what’s termed the BBC’s “biggest transformation in decades”, Davie announced a blueprint for the future, titled The BBC Across the UK.
As well as moving commissioning, “significant parts of BBC News” and network radio out of London, Davie confirmed plans to expand BBC Studios bases in Bristol, Cardiff and Glasgow and upgrade the BBC’s Belfast headquarters.
By 2027/28 the BBC said it intends to spend at the very least, an extra £700 million cumulatively across the UK – generating an additional economic benefit of over £850 million.
Davie said, “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.”
