(Alliance News) - The BBC announced Thursday it will shift around 400 roles out of London as part of its "biggest transformation in decades" to "better reflect" all parts of Britain.
The broadcaster, which has been accused by Conservatives of political bias and failing to understand the Brexit vote, is aiming to change the tone of its programmes and journalism.
In 2011, it moved hundreds of staff and a number of services to a major new base at Salford, near Manchester, but new director-general Tim Davie said he is eager to ramp up the relocations.
It comes at a challenging time for the BBC – which is funded by a compulsory subscription fee – as it negotiates the fee level and its public funding with the government for the next five years from 2022.
Meanwhile a 10-strong panel of independent professionals from broadcasting, production, journalism and technology has been appointed to help shape the future of UK public service broadcasting.
"Our mission must be to deliver for the whole of the UK and ensure every household gets value from the BBC," Davie, who took the helm six months ago, said.
"These plans will get us closer to audiences, create jobs and investment, and develop and nurture new talent."
Around half of the targeted jobs are in news and current affairs, with many to move to England's second city Birmingham, the Welsh capital Cardiff, Leeds, in northern England, and Salford.
The shift will take place over the next six years.
Meanwhile, several well-known current affairs shows and radio programmes will be co-hosted from outside London for at least 100 episodes a year.
Beyond its journalism, the BBC said the changes would include airing two new long-running drama series, creating a potential rival to ITV's decades-old soap opera Coronation Street, set in Manchester.
One will be set in northern England, the other in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
source: AFP
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