Beeb-bashing is nothing new, and in certain sections of Fleet Street is a prerequisite for a cub reporter's employment opportunities. Criticism of the Corporation's Londonphilia have previously come from BBC Trust chairman Michael Lyons himself, and as the BBC is based largely in the capital, it's a situation that is perhaps to be expected, though not condoned.
The move up to Salford Quays from next year is a concerted effort to tilt the balance away from London, but it is unlikely to appease this committee, which alleges that the Beeb's coverage of Northern Ireland focuses on the Troubles and little else. Production companies in the region report that they have lost faith in the ability of the BBC and other broadcasters to effectively represent the province's population.
In other BBC news: the Corporation may have to delay the sale of Television Centre due to the market downturn. The disappointing license fee settlement means the Beeb is anxious to turn a good profit from the sale of the partially listed building, and may delay a deal until 2014 and keep parts of the operation based there until the bitter end.
