Post Comment: Region's clear signal to the BBC

The BBC is one of the nation's most important and beloved institutions.

It also receives large sums of what is effectively public funding, and is a major employer and procurer of services.

For all these reasons, it is important that the BBC has a major presence in the West Midlands.

But while it is perhaps inevitable that the region will look at the investment it receives in the BBC in relation to the funding going in to other areas, the reality is that the broadcaster is under no obligation to do the same.

The BBC will operate in Birmingham and the region if we have something to offer it. That’s inevitable, and perhaps it’s a good thing.

So the decision of the council, MPs and business leaders to work together to develop a manifesto for the city, highlighting what it can offer the BBC, is extremely welcome.

Now let’s hope Auntie listens.