The BBC has outlined plans to expand its news operations to MediaCityUK by moving its News at One show to Salford as part of its reinvestment plans, which will boost the region’s growing media production offer.
The organisation is seeking to “boost its digital journalism around the clock, increase its streaming offer on BBC iPlayer and the BBC News app, and bring more in-depth, analytical and high-impact reporting to its online audiences”.
Its Salford venture will see it create a “daytime TV powerhouse” in the city; it will also be the first time a daily BBC national news bulletin will be broadcast outside London.
In a joint statement, Paul Dennett City Mayor of Salford and Tom Stannard Chief Executive of Salford City Council said “It’s really positive to hear details of the upcoming expansion of BBC news operations from MediaCity, which will see a boost to weekday BBC One news coverage, with an extension of BBC Breakfast and the launch of an expanded one hour-long News at One bulletin live from Salford. This will mean an expansion to the organisation’s national news hub in Salford and the creation of about 20 jobs in the North West.
“The news follows the organisation’s recent ‘Across the UK Strategy’ and is a real coup for the city that will mean for the first time ever, an ongoing, daily BBC TV news bulletin will be delivered outside of London. This growth is further proof of the ongoing success of MediaCity since the BBC established its base here in Salford and we welcome what this means for local people, with an increase in future opportunities in the city.
“Broadcast news plays a huge role in all our lives and access to the latest news is an immensely important tool for tackling educational inequalities, levelling up and social issues. The fact that Salford will be even more central to this news being delivered to a mass audience is a proud moment for the city. It’s great to see the BBC’s Salford story going from strength to strength.”
Salford, and in particular MediaCityUK, is becoming widely recognised for its media presence. The site has become a place of innovation, culture and progress in recent years.
The BBC has been operational from MediaCityUK since 2011. The centre, which is also known as BBC North is already home to CBBC/CBeebies, BBC Learning, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport and BBC Breakfast, along with Religion & Ethics, the BBC Philharmonic and parts of Research & Development, Drama and Comedy.
The wider Annual Plan sets out a reduction of 1,000 hours in content commissions. BBC News has undertaken a review of its current affairs programming and made the “tough decision” to close the Our World strand on the News Channel, as well as make nine fewer hours of single documentaries each year for BBC Two.
In addition, BBC Radio Manchester are also based at MediaCityUK. The site is home to news and lifestyle departments offering both local and national outputs.
Almost 3,000 BBC staff work from MediaCityUK alongside staff from ITV, this expansion will create around 20 new roles in the region.
