BBC director general defends plan to shelve new Archers studio
Plans to build a bespoke studio for the long-running Radio 4 soap were shelved this week.
By BBC News
The BBC has defended its decision to shelve plans for a bespoke studio for The Archers at its planned Tea Factory hub in Digbeth, Birmingham.
BBC director general Matt Brittin said the broadcaster could no longer justify spending £1.5m on a dedicated studio while it works to reduce costs.
He said the long-running Radio 4 drama was “thriving and staying put”, but the BBC faced financial constraints and needed to make £500m in savings.
The corporation said The Archers production team would still move from its current base at the Mailbox to the Tea Factory in early 2028. However, the new recording studio will not now be built.
The BBC is assessing existing facilities across the UK, along with external studio options in the West Midlands. No final decision has been made about where the programme will be recorded.
Brittin said alternative arrangements were being considered, including the use of other BBC studios. He added that the corporation wanted to maintain the programme’s production standards while finding a cheaper solution.
The decision raised concerns about whether The Archers could continue to be recorded in Birmingham, where it has been made for decades. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said he was due to meet Brittin to discuss options for keeping the programme in the city.
The BBC said the production team’s planned move to Digbeth remained in place, with the search for a cost-effective recording arrangement continuing.