BBC children's expects to lose staff in Salford move

BBC Children's controller Richard Deverell believes his department's planned move to Salford is an 'opportunity to create a department fit for the internet age', but said he expects between just 30% and 50% of its London staff to make the move permanently.

BBC Children's controller Richard Deverell believes his department's planned move to Salford is an 'opportunity to create a department fit for the internet age', but said he expects between just 30% and 50% of its London staff to make the move permanently.

Deverell's estimate of the percentage of staff that will make the move is based on other organisations' experiences.

He told the 14th annual TV from the Nations and Regions Conference in Salford that he hoped far more would move in the short term to ease the -transition.

He said the move would need to be handled with flexibility in order to avoid a potentially 'catastrophic loss of experience and talent', but that he favoured it because it would be a catalyst to change the culture of BBC children's.

Deverell said: 'The BBC can be a lot more open and accountable and it's not just a case of lifting and shifting the department.'

He added: 'If the BBC gives Salford the scale, leadership and autonomy it needs to succeed, then it could be a really exciting place to be, especially if it attracts other indies and broadcasters.'

BBC children's is one of five key departments that are poised to move to Salford. The licence fee settlement, due to be announced on 18 January, is widely expected to include ring-fenced funding to ensure the move goes ahead.