BBC to close offices in Blackpool and Lancaster by end of 2020 to 'save money'

The BBC has announced it will be closing its offices in Blackpool and Lancaster to cut costs in the face of "significant financial pressures".
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The closures are part of a move by the corporation to close some of its smallest offices across England.

In a statement, BBC England said the organisation faced "significant financial pressures", adding "new technology and changing working habits" meant the offices were no longer needed.

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No job losses will result from the closures, as many are often unstaffed or used as a base for equipment and occasional interviews.

Swing Bridge and BBC Buildings, Media CityUK. ( Copyright David Dixon)Swing Bridge and BBC Buildings, Media CityUK. ( Copyright David Dixon)
Swing Bridge and BBC Buildings, Media CityUK. ( Copyright David Dixon)

Rozina Breen, Head of North, BBC England, said: "In line with our wider efficiency programme, the BBC continues to reduce the number of buildings we occupy. New technology and changing working habits mean we no longer need some of our smallest offices. Shutting them will save money at a time when we face significant financial pressures.

"The BBC remains fully committed to the North West. As a result, audiences will not see a change to the programmes and services they receive.

"We’re exploring the potential for journalists to work out of local institutions, such as colleges and universities, ensuring we continue to have a presence in these areas."

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A BBC spokesperson added: “We have 39 broadcast bases across England. These sites are supported by a number of very small, often unstaffed sites in nearby locations.

"New technology means these smaller sites are no longer needed.

"Closing them will save money at a time when the BBC faces significant financial pressures. There will be no job losses and our services in those areas will not change.”

In January, BBC News announced it was cutting 450 jobs in order to meet an £80m savings target by 2022.

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