Cross with Across

Another double-duffing up for BBC Director General Tim Davie for his "Across The UK" strategy and its implementation; as night follows day, the Commons Public Accounts Committee has followed the National Audit Office in its verdict of 'well-intentioned, poorly-thought-out, and variably managed'. 

Tim has Trumpian tendencies when it comes to announcements.  In 2021, he committed to shifting £700m of spending outside London by 2027, representing 60% of network tv spend and 50% of network radio spend. 50% of "News Story" teams would also move out of the capital. He would create 1,000 apprenticeships, boosted to 1,400 later. 

To Tim, this was motherhood and apple-pie - it was absolutely obvious to the marketing man that the audience perception of the BBC outside London would be improved. Look what happened in Salford and Cardiff - it's a no-brainer. 

Sadly he has yet to provide the PAC with evidence that perceptions are improving. Has the Government won hearts and minds by moving Treasury departments to Darlington ? Are the people of Manchester rejoicing because they have bits of the Home Office, the Cabinet Office and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology in their midst ? Do the taxpayers of Leeds cheer as they pass the Ministry of Justice outpost in Wellington Place ?