BBC shelves new Archers studio in Birmingham cost-cutting move

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 05:07 · Archive

The BBC has scrapped plans for a new studio for The Archers in Birmingham after 75 years, citing cost-cutting measures.

The BBC has scrapped plans to build a new bespoke radio drama studio for The Archers in the Tea Factory, the corporation's new hub in Digbeth, Birmingham. The show has recorded in the West Midlands for 75 years, making it the world's longest-running soap opera. Instead, the BBC is now exploring 'suitable studio facilities' at its existing UK studios or considering private studios in the West Midlands.

BBC insiders have expressed concern that separating the production team from the actors will affect the show's quality. Production staff regularly engage with actors at the last minute to tweak scripts and storylines. A source said the move would 'weaken the show' and 'change the DNA of the show'.

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said he was 'very disappointed' by the decision. He stated that 'The Archers was born in Birmingham and is a key part of our broadcasting heritage' and questioned why the programme should lose its Birmingham home of decades. Parker said he would meet the BBC Director General to 'discuss every available option' to keep the show in the city, saying the BBC had promised to invest and support its regions.

How it is being reported

• BBC shelves plans for new Archers studio as part of cost-cuttingThe drama has been recording in Birmingham for 75 years, making it the world's longest running soap opera.BBC News · 13 Oct, 04:25
• BBC to stop recording The Archers in Birmingham for first time in its 75-year historyPlans for a new theatre for world’s longest-running soap in Digbeth scrapped as part of cost-cutting measures The BBC is set to stop recording The Archers in Birmingham for the first time in the show’s 75-year history, after scrapping plans for a radio drama theatre that was to be the new home of the world’s longest-running soap opera. A pledge to move recordings to the so-called tea factory, the BBC’s new Birmingham hub in Digbeth, has become the latest victim of the corporation’s £500m cuts plan . Continue reading...The Guardian · 12 Oct, 20:56

In this story: The Archers · BBC · Birmingham · Tea Factory · West Midlands · Richard Parker

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