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
Tram disruption to continue into the evening following damage in city centre
Daisy Jackson
Disruption to Metrolink trams will continue into the evening as engineers scramble to repair damage to an overhead line.
Power has now been restored following an earlier incident but services are still unable to run through Deansgate-Castlefield, a crucial stop in the city centre.
It’s left trams operating on a revised service pattern while damage to the overhead line is repaired.
Earlier today a driver in Manchester city centre reported a loss of power and damage to a pantograph – which is used to connect trams with the overhead power lines.
Images now shared by TfGM show the damage that has taken place, with the pantograph collapsed onto the roof of the tram.
The new tram service pattern began at 3pm and will continue until further notice, as follows:
Altrincham – Cornbrook
Eccles – Cornbrook
Manchester Airport – Firswood
East Didsbury – Firswood
Rochdale Town Centre – Exchange Square
Bury – Ashton-under-Lyne
Trafford Centre – Wharfside
Customers are able to use their Metrolink tickets on Bee Network bus services and some train services while the disruption continues.
TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, Ian Davies, said: “We are sorry to anyone whose journey has or will be impacted because of today’s disruption.
“Power has now been restored, and the cause has been identified as damage to overhead lines near to Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop.
“Specialist engineers will be making repairs today and staff will remain out on the network to assist passengers with their journeys.
“We have had to make some changes to services while the repair work takes place, and I’d encourage people to continue to check the Bee Network app, website and social channels for the latest information and advice for the remainder of the day.”
Chester Zoo named UK’s best zoo for second year running after more than 11,000 ‘excellent’ ratings
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has been named to best zoo in the UK for 2025.
While everyone in and around Greater Manchester and the North West may already be familiar with just how brilliant the UK’s biggest charity zoo is, you may remember that last year it was officially named the UK’s best zoo thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews… and now, the zoo has managed to retain that respectable title.
The world’s biggest travel guidance platform has, once again, named Chester Zoo as the best-rated zoo to visit in the UK this year.
This is the second year running that the zoo has got more than 11,000 ‘excellent’ ratings.
Chester Zoo has been named the best zoo in the UK for 2025 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Based on millions of online reviews, the updated ranking puts the beloved Cheshire-based attraction ahead of the country’s other zoos after earning consistently good feedback from its visitors.
Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite too – with the new listings placing it as the third best zoo or aquarium in the continent.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be named the UK’s top zoo,” commented Jamie Christon, who is the CEO of Chester Zoo.
“This recognition, based on thousands upon thousands of genuine visitor reviews, is a huge testament to our incredible team and everything they do to make Chester Zoo such a special place.
Guess who’s just been named the BEST zoo in the UK? 🎉⁰Hint: It’s us… but we couldn’t have done it without you! Your incredible Tripadvisor reviews made this possible 🙌
Even more exciting? We’ve climbed the ranks to become #3 in all of Europe, up from 8th last year 🌍👏… pic.twitter.com/ARJfwomIFL
“Every visit helps support our vital conservation work, both here in the UK and around the world.
“As a charity and a national conservation zoo, it means the world to know our efforts are being so warmly received by our guests. It’s people coming through our gates who enable us to do what we do – lead the charge to save wildlife, protect and restore habitats and safeguard ecosystems.
“Together, we’re securing the long-term future of some of the world’s most endangered species.”
Chester Zoo’s renewed title comes after it opened the UK’s largest-ever zoo habitat, Heart of Africa, which is home 57 iconic African species, earlier this month.
It also comes ahead of the unveiling of another exciting new development at the zoo this summer – The Reserve, which Chester Zoo is calling its answer to a ‘premium safari getaway’ right here in the UK, with 51 luxury African-themed lodges offering guests the chance to stay overnight and support conservation for the very first time.
The Manc -
18th March 2021 
