The BBC has revealed it will move key BBC News roles to Leeds, launch a peak-time radio service in Bradford and install a new daytime TV commissioner in the North East, as part of a raft of changes outlined this morning. It will also open a new Learning Hub in Hull.
Screen Yorkshire chief executive Sally Joynson said: “The BBC’s expansion in Yorkshire will ultimately bring jobs to the local industry and further boost the Yorkshire screen industries’ reputation for excellence.
Building on the momentum gained by Channel 4’s move to Leeds, these plans demonstrate a genuine commitment to the North, and the BBC’s expansion into Leeds and the North East is recognition that there’s more to the North than Salford and MediaCity UK. But the devil is in the detail, and we look forward to hearing more about what exactly will be involved.”
The BBC’s Look North has been based in Leeds for over five decades and ITN Productions has been based in Leeds for the past year as well. Yorkshire is also a hub for some of the country’s top factual independent production companies, including Candour Productions and True North.