The BBC has today revealed “ambitious plans” for its biggest transformation in decades – and it’s seeing “more power and decision-making” move to the north.
At present, half the BBC’s operations are based outside of London – with departments including BBC Sport, 5 Live and Children’s having relocated to MediaCityUK in Salford in 2011 – but over the next six years, the BBC will increase this activity across the north to further cement a commitment to “reflect, represent and serve” all parts of the country, and deliver “great value for all audiences”.
Not only that, but the BBC Across the UK plan will also give even more prominence to stories from communities across the region.
This has been called the “biggest creative and journalistic reshaping” of the BBC in its history.
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We have set out the BBC’s blueprint for the future, our biggest transformation in decades, and it will affect you.
Want to know how? Here are 7 reasons to get excited about the BBC in the North ⬇️
The BBC’s base in MediaCityUK is set to grow even more, with Salford becoming the hub for the broadcaster’s digital and technology teams. BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 6 Music will also become rooted in the north, with more than 50% of their broadcast hours coming from Salford.
Hit BBC One daytime show Morning Live will also be broadcast from Salford all year-round.
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And, a new long-running drama series produced in the north of England will also be launched and broadcast across the country.
Speaking on the unveiling of today’s plans, Tim Davie – Director-General of the BBC – said: “Our mission must be to deliver for the whole country and ensure every household gets value from us [and] 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 has helped inform, educate and entertain all four nations, as we have collectively faced some of our toughest moments in recent history.
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“Now, as we look to the future, we must play our part in supporting the UK’s social and economic recovery by rebuilding the creative sector and telling the stories that need to be heard from all corners of the country”.
What can Salford expect from the BBC then?
The BBC’s base in MediaCityUK to become the hub for the BBC’s Audio Business News service, with the Today programme business updates also coming from Salford.
BBC One daytime hit Morning Live will relocate to Salford and broadcast to the UK every weekday.
BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 6 Music will be rooted in the North, with more than 50% of their broadcast hours coming from Salford.
The recruiting of a new network of community digital reporters to help bring journalism closer to communities.
The Writersroom – the BBC’s home for new writing talent – will be expanded in Salford, with a new Head of New Writing based at BBC North, tasked with discovering and developing new writers in the north and across the whole UK.
A new assistant comedy commissioner will be based in Salford working with talent in the North on new and existing titles.
There will be a new commercial operation for BBC Children’s working out of Salford.
Newsnight will be presented from different bases throughout the year, including from Salford.
BBC / MediaCityUK
On top of that, according to the BBC, all the above changes mean that from 2022, the entire live output of BBC One, from 6am to 10am, will broadcast from Salford – which it says makes it the only channel in the UK to do so.
The broadcaster says that the general aim for the plan is to “move power, investment and resources right across the UK”.
It is also keen to increase “economic, cultural, and social impact” in every corner of the country.
You can read more about the BBC Across the UK plan here.
News
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
18th March 2021 
