BEEB BIG SCREEN CONSOLATION FOR LOSS OF RADIO 2

12-12-2007

The BBC has handed Birmingham a consolation to make up for the loss of Radio 2 overnight programming – the city will become the headquarters of the national Big Screen programme.

Ironically, the local big screen in Chamberlain Square is currently offline, following a planning row.

The aim is to roll out 60 across the country, covering all the major cities, meaning that Wolverhampton – which previously tried to pinch Brum’s – will almost certainly get one of its own.

Although the project will employ 36 people, there is no indication of how many of these will be based in Birmingham.

Following yesterday’s exclusive Stirrer story, the Beeb also clarified that the three key Radio 2 shows moving to London are Janice Long, Alex Lester and Mo Dutta. (see link here)

Seven posts will be lost overall, although it's hoped that compulsory redundancies can avoided.