Cardiff & Co welcome BBC boost for Cardiff as media capital
Cardiff & Co chairman Bill Savage has welcomed comments from BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons supporting the movement of drama production out of London.
Mr Savage wrote to Sir Michael pressing the case for Cardiff to become a media capital, building on the BBC’s commitment to double its network programming produced in Wales.
Mr Savage wrote, “We believe Cardiff has a serious and tangible track record of making great things happen. The regeneration of Cardiff Bay is an excellent example of that.
“We believe there are other examples of how Wales’ compact size and business focussed support structures have enabled the public and private sector to come together speedily to enhance investor confidence and deliver business opportunity.
“We have firm commitment from across our stakeholders for developing Cardiff as a Media Capital, building on the BBC’s commitment to double its network programming produced in Wales but also the growth of the indigenous media and creative sector which supplies the BBC, S4C, ITV and others.”
Mr Savage said Cardiff’s strong media sector gives it the critical mass and potential to become a Media Capital and help deliver some of ambitious plans Sir Michael spoke of when he visited Cardiff before Christmas, including ensuring that the BBC better reflects the geographic and cultural diversity of its audiences.
Mr Savage concluded, “I hope you will accept my assurance of the strength of purpose and ambition that exists in Cardiff towards the BBC being one of the key catalysts in the realisation of our vision and the creation of Cardiff as a Media Capital.”
In his reply Sir Michael wrote: “I appreciate you taking the time to set down your vision for Cardiff and have noted your support for the development of production in the area. The Trust believes that the BBC must move more services out of London and commission more programmes from all parts of the UK if it is to deliver value to all licence fee payers wherever they live in the UK. Support from local partners is essential for achieving our ambition.”
Councillor Neil McEvoy, deputy leader of Cardiff Council, said: "Cardiff is already a city with world class media facilities and is home to the largest
concentration of media employment outside London. We have some fantastic programmes being filmed here, such as Doctor Who and Torchwood, and any further moves by the BBC to bring production from London to Cardiff would be a major asset to the city."
Mr Savage said he welcomed the confirmation that the BBC wants to switch production from London. He said: “Sir Michael’s letter was very encouraging and we are very keen to see the process move forward with confirmation within the next few weeks that production of the Casualty series will be switched to Wales.”
15/1/2009
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