Council complains North East has no TV presence
Jun 29 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal
Coun Shipley added: “The financial benefit of making programmes is considerable. It’s partly the direct spend while they are here and it’s also that it gives the image of the region a boost. Losing that kind of investment is extremely worrying.
“It appears there’s a double standard if the BBC can say that they really should be reflecting the population of Scotland in terms of the amount of production from there. The same rule doesn’t apply to Newcastle – we are just seen as an add-on to Manchester.
“It raises all kinds of questions about whether the BBC are fulfilling their charter in the region.”
The council are supporting Northern Film and Media’s bid to bring more television and film production to the North East.
The screen agency are campaigning for a “significant and sustainable” media production fund for the region’s television and film makers, better facilities and, ultimately, for more producers to choose the city and region as a place to work.
James Hails, communications manager at the regional screen agency, welcomed the support of the council.
He said: “It is great that they have added their voice to this important campaign. We’re also very pleased that the BBC have engaged the debate positively.”
A spokeswoman for the BBC said: “The BBC is committed to making 50% of network output outside of London by 2016. The corporation has made a strong commitment to better represent all regions on screen and work is currently underway to establish a new production base for all the North of England from MediaCityUK in Salford.
“Peter Salmon, director BBC North, will be working closely with colleagues including BBC Newcastle, to ensure the North East does have a stronger voice and the region benefits from the move of the likes of children’s programmes, sport, learning, technology and Radio Five Live to BBC North.
“Recently, for instance, we announced that a new 13-part series of kids’ drama Tracy Beaker will be filming in Newcastle this summer. We also have strong regional output through Look North, Inside Out and the Politics Show on BBC One.”
