BBC secures Glasgow innovation hub to tackle broadcaster futureproofing and design
The BBC is to set up a £4m design and engineering hub in Glasgow, it will see the development of an additional 60 jobs in the next three years and will operate alongside the existing London and Salford hubs, housing around 110 staff members.
BBC looks to bring Glasgow staff to around 110 / Glasgow Chamber
It said the new design and engineering teams will "play a critical role in delivering the BBC’s ambition to reinvent itself for a new generation".
This will be in addition to the £40m-a-year BBC investment in Scotland that will see the creation of a new TV channel - which conversely - was rubber stamped today by Ofcom.
This new team will have its eyes on three key areas, chiefly; getting the BBC on smart systems like Amazon Echo Alexa, Google Home and Apple’s HomePod; anchoring the broadcaster as an educator; and developing a core digital BBC platform housing all of its apps, websites and online experiences
Tony Hall, BBC director-general, said: “Ofcom giving the greenlight for the new channel is great news. The new service has huge potential and I’m excited about what it can achieve. But it’s not the only good news today. I am delighted that we are also investing £4m to create a new digital hub in Glasgow - a forward looking city that has real vibrancy and energy. It’s the perfect location.”
Matthew Postgate, BBC chief technology and product officer, added: “We know there is a huge amount of technological and creative talent in Scotland. We’re looking forward to creating a digital hub in the heart of this thriving community, which will use that talent and expertise to transform the BBC, not only in Scotland – but throughout the UK.”
Meanwhile further down the quay in Glasgow, earlier this year STV pulled the plug on STV 2, a saving of around save about £2m a year.