BBC needs to treat Midlands properly
DEAR Editor, I was interested to read
Tamlyn Jones’ article in the Post (November 24) regarding the plans for the BBC’s new headquarters in Birmingham in the currently derelict Typhoo Tea factory.
Unfortunately, although plans have now been submitted, no article or report I have seen makes any mention about the provision of sound and television studios in the new headquarters.
While most people are reported to be in favour of the corporation moving to the new headquarters, and I’m one of them, many are concerned that the BBC has no intention of providing significant studio facilities within the new development.
The current BBC headquarters at the Mailbox is regarded as being inadequate in providing our region with the studio facilities that are crucial for the production of radio and television programmes – something that all other BBC regions are capable of producing.
But for some reason our region is treated differently to all other BBC regions and nations.
My simple question is, do the plans for the new headquarters include significant sound and television studios?
By ‘television studios’ I am referring to studios that are capable of producing fullscale television programmes rather than just “magazine” style programmes, the sort of programmes that are shot in a reception-style area with one camera.
If the corporation has no plans to include sound and fully-equipped television studios it is suspected that they are content to use Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc studios and any studio facilities provided by Create Central.
If so they will again stand accused of treating our region differently to all other regions in the UK, despite the Midlands and East of England region providing approximately 25 per cent of funding through the licence fee.
It really is about time the BBC showed some respect and some appropriate funding for our region. A big opportunity could be squandered if they fail to include proper studio facilities in the new headquarters and show some commitment to increase their currently very small number of studios in Birmingham.
So, once again can the BBC/main contractor confirm whether sound and fully-equipped television studios are to be included within the new headquarters, or not?