Breaking: BBC Radio 3 shifts to the north

The BBC is moving some of its classical staff to Manchester and one of its orchestras to an ‘underserved’ location which has yet to be determined.It’s in line with BBC policy but why can’t they make up their little minds where to put the redundant orchestra?

And why does the controller of Radio 3 have to shuttle up and down every week between Manchester and London, burning ozone holes as he goes?

Bureaucracy has triumphed over broacdasting at Radio 3. W1A rules, ok?

Here’s the press release:

As part of the BBC’s wider commitment to better serving audiences around the UK and basing more staff outside the capital, Radio 3 aims to strengthen significantly its production and leadership base in Salford, while maintaining a strong presence in London. It will also
relocate the BBC Concert Orchestra to a region of England currently underserved by th orchestral sector.

Creating an epicentre for Radio 3 in Salford and adding a new location to its provision of live orchestral music in England will enable Radio 3 and the BBC to bring its work closer to audiences everywhere, further reflect the rich and vibrant classical music and cultural scene of the whole of the UK, and enhance its ability to build stronger connections with communities, artists, talent, creative organisations and audiences around the country.

It will also build on Radio 3’s existing role as a truly national station; more than 30% of its current spending – including on both speech and live music programmes – is outside London through the work of the BBC’s Orchestras & Choirs in Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast and Salford, and through partnerships with other orchestras and ensembles, festivals, venues, creative organisations and independent production companies around the country.

BBC Radio 3 will increase the broadcast hours produced in Salford to over 50%, with some programmes and staff moving there from 2023, completing the transition by 2026. … BBC Radio 3’s Controller will have a presence in both Salford and London as part of their significant leadership role in the classical music industry and responsibility for the BBC’s Orchestras & Choirs, BBC Proms and BBC East Bank.