BBC to open new learning hub in Hull as part of ‘power to the North’ plans
‘WE MUST DELIVER FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY’: BBC Director-General Tim Davie
The BBC is to open a new learning hub in Hull as part of plans announced today to move more power and decision-making to the North.
In proposals set out in its The BBC Across the UK plan, the corporation said it would also give more prominence to stories from the North as part of what it called “the biggest creative and journalistic reshaping of the BBC in its history”.
The plans include the opening of new learning hubs in Hull and Liverpool, which it said would create “exciting training and skills opportunities for young people”.
The Hull hub will be based on the ground floor of the BBC building in Queens Gardens, and will involve working with partners to provide face-to-face training and support for young people in the city. This is initially aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds.
The corporation also pledged to relocate 400 jobs outside London, and to recruit a new network of community digital reporters to “help bring our journalism closer to communities”.
Other plans include:
The introduction of a tailored BBC One across Yorkshire, North West and North East England, with bespoke continuity announcements and marketing campaigns.
A new long-running drama series produced in the North of England launched and broadcast across the country.
BBC One’s daytime hit Morning Live relocating to Salford.
BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 6 Music having more than 50 per cent of their broadcast hours coming from Salford.
Announcing the plans, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “Our mission must be to deliver for the whole country and ensure every household gets value from us.
“These plans show how we want to be closer to audiences, create jobs and investment and develop and nurture 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 the UK’s social and economic recovery; rebuilding the creative sector and telling the stories that need to be heard from all corners of the country.”