More New Movers to Salford Quays Announced

The BBC has announced a further boost to its ongoing commitment to building a new relationship with audiences across the UK following last week's announcement that BBC Breakfast will be moving north.

Key teams from Marketing, Communications & Audiences (MC&A) and Future Media & Technology (FM&T) have been informed that their roles will also be relocating to the BBC's new production hub in Salford Quays as well as there being a significant increase in investment for comedy from the north of England.

Relocating FM&T teams, which comprise 75 roles, will complement those parts of the department already moving to Salford in order to make the most of the opportunity to build new and exciting content and platforms for audiences, and will be well placed to benefit from the already well established digital economy in the North West.

The 43 MC&A roles that will move are a reflection on how important the BBC's new home will be, both as a destination for audiences to interact with content and services, and also as a centre of excellence for audience insight in helping the organisation grow a new relationship with audiences.

And the announcement that an additional two comedy shows will be commissioned from the base by 2012/13 represents a significant increase on the current output.

BBC in-house Comedy Productions is the cornerstone of British comedy, producing bold and risk-taking content loved by audiences. Developing a significant base at Salford Quays will build on this success and help grow on and off screen talent and explore new creative opportunities in the north of England.

Peter Salmon, Director BBC North, said: "The past two days have been a real shot in the arm for BBC North and for audiences across the UK.

"Following BBC Breakfast yesterday, these announcements show the real momentum behind our new operation. This fresh wave of journalists, audience specialists and technology experts enhances the site as a major centre for the creative industries and builds on the region's heritage for great journalism and innovation.

"This reflects the federation of departments we will have in the north, a genuine cross section of the organisation, and how it is really in the interests of the whole BBC to make this a success."

The BBC's Director of Future Media and Technology, Erik Huggers, said: "We are as committed as ever to building a strong BBC presence in the North, with FM&T at its heart. Just as Broadcasting House is associated with the rise of radio, and Television Centre with TV, I believe that MediaCity will become the BBC's centre for the internet age.

"In time, BBC Online will become the universal gateway to the past, present, and future of the BBC – embracing our audiences within a single integrated offer across all platforms and devices. Moving our connected TV and mobile product teams north, together with a core part of BBC Online, is very much part of realising this vision."

Teams already confirmed to relocate to BBC North in 2011 are BBC Sport, BBC Children's, Radio 5 Live, Learning, parts of Future Media & Technology and all teams based at BBC Manchester. Yesterday it was announced the BBC Breakfast would also relocate becoming the first BBC network news programme made outside of London.