NRT briefing
BBC director general defends plan to shelve new Archers studio
Based on reporting by BBC News.
The Brief
BBC director general Matt Brittin has defended the corporation's decision to shelve plans for a bespoke studio for the long-running Radio 4 soap The Archers at its new Birmingham headquarters, citing financial constraints. The planned studio at the Tea Factory building in Digbeth was scrapped as part of a wider £500m cost-cutting drive.
Brittin said the BBC would explore other options to keep the show in the West Midlands, including existing studio space elsewhere. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker expressed disappointment, arguing The Archers has a heritage in Birmingham and there is no good reason to leave.
The Equity union said cast members were angry and would fight the proposal, while actor Tony Turner, who plays Vince Casey, stressed the show's commitment to Birmingham. The BBC has increased production spend in the region to £40m and formed a partnership with Birmingham City University, but plans to move to the Tea Factory by 2028 remain on track.