BBC makes major regional pledge

Speaking at the Television from the Nations and Regions conference in Salford this morning, Thompson said the corporation would move more programming strands outside the M25 by 2016, in line with the BBC's mission to boost diversity and build its relationships with non-London audiences.

But Thompson backed away from proposals to move an entire network out of London, despite a review that is currently ongoing - arguing that it could mark the opening of a floodgate.

"If we were to move one network, people would be campaigning to move another," he said.

He also revealed that when he first took on the top job at the corporation, he was advised to abandon plans to move various departments to the new Salford centre.

In addition, Thompson took the opportunity to defend the current set up of the BBC licence fee, following indications by culture secretary James Purnell last week that it will be shared out among public service broadcasters.

He said that although Channel 4 definitely needs support for its public service output, there are more and stronger arguments against splitting the licence fee than there are in favour of it.

In particular, he argued that it was important to maintain a direct association in the minds of viewers between the licence fee payment and the BBC.

The independently-run conference was the most successful to date, according to its organisers, who reported attendance of over 400 delegates.

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment.