BBC's Salford move could spark talent exodus

BBC Children's controller Richard Deverell has admitted the move of his department to Salford could result in an exodus of talent and that he expects between just 30% and 50% of staff to make the move permanently.

BBC Children's controller Richard Deverell has admitted the move of his department to Salford could result in an exodus of talent and that he expects between just 30% and 50% of staff to make the move permanently.

Speaking at the14th annual TV from the Nations and Regions Conference in Salford, Deverell said he was 'taking a guess' at the percentage of staff who would make the move and said he hoped it would be much higher in the short term to help make the transition.

He admitted there was a 'big risk' of a 'catastrophic loss of experience and talent', but said he still favoured the move because it would help change the culture of the BBC.

He said: 'The physical move can be the catalyst for building a fundamentally different organisation that is fit for the internet age.

'It 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 BBBC gives Salford the scale, leadership and autonomy it needs to succeed then it could be a really exciting place to be.'

BBC Children's is one of five key departments that are poised to move to Salford.

Earlier in the day BBC chief operating officer Caroline Thomson said that it made sense to move children's and future media to Salford in tandem because interactivity will play a major role in the future of kids output.