BBC’s Asian Network and Newsbeat to move to Birmingham

Birmingham is to become the home of the BBC’s Asian Network and Newsbeat teams as part of the broadcaster’s plans to move key departments and staff out of London.

The BBC News Data Team will also partly relocate to the West Midlands in efforts to better reflect, represent, and serve all parts of the country.

Included in the corporation’s Across the UK blueprint are plans to increase activity across the West Midlands over the next six years by building on current TV production as well as focusing on opportunities for young people.

The new plans call for the commissioning of a new primetime entertainment series and at least one new primetime drama in the region, further diversifying its content. These programmes will join long-standing daytime soap opera Doctors and the Great British Menu as being made in the city.

The increased presence in the West Midlands will be further bolstered by the soon-to-be-back on-air BBC Three launching a documentary opportunity for local producers to tell original stories from the region and a new peak-time local radio service that will debut in Wolverhampton.

An apprentice training scheme will also be piloted in the area as well as learning hubs being set up in Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

In announcing the planned move, Director-General of the BBC Tim 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.

Richard Butler, CBI West Midlands Director, said he welcomed the social and economic recovery support for the region:

A future BBC which fully represents all facets of our diverse, multicultural population, amplifies West Midlands voices and enhances prosperity will be keenly embraced by businesses within the region.

The BBC Concert Orchestra and some Proms are also to leave London and the broadcaster has promised 100 new reporters to be based in towns and areas that have never had a regional TV presence.

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