Mixed response to BBC tie-up plans

A PROPOSAL that the BBC hook up with local newspapers, perhaps even paying for content to appear on its own website and local TV services, has received a mixed response among its own staff.

Asked whether the BBC should ‘partner with local and regional newspapers in local TV?’, an internal poll, involving 1312 respondents, voted Yes 39 per cent, No 43 per cent, and Not Sure 18 per cent.

It follows a presentation at the Society of Editors annual conference in Glasgow last week, where BBC director-general, Mark Thompson, described how a recent local TV trial in the West Midlands had been supported by video content from the Press Association.

PA is understood to have taken the contract as a cue to introduce video skills at the its bureau.

There was also a tie-up with local newspapers, including a shared photographic competition and a ‘letter of the week’ with the Shropshire Star.