Just A Minute

 
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Re: Today's ep s55e07 @ http://www.mediafire.com/just-a-minute

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kj.naughtonSep 16, 2009
 

 
--- In just-a-minute@..., "j_a_m_fan" <j_a_m_fan@...> wrote:

>
> As you rightly said, fewer episodes are currently being
> made outside London, which is flying directly in the face of
> stated government policy.
>
> The political argument goes: the more the BBC moves out of
> London the more it can afford to do and the better value for
> money it can thus give. This in the light that perhaps the
> next round of license fee rises may well be the last any
> government feels it can impose.
>
> By definition, any BROADCASTER that chooses to base its staff
> in one of the world's most expensive cities, and by far the
> most expensive place in the UK, is making a common-sense error
> that goes beyond stupidity and smacks of elitism.

The current requirement for the BBC to demonstrate "value for money" is a double-edged sword. As you rightly point out, this can be read in the context of moving production and staff into less costly environments, such as the move of several departments and pretty much the whole of Five Live to Salford from London.

However the othdf part of the same requirement is that the BBC does have a number of existing facilities in London and, until and unless they are closed, it is duty bound to make best use of them under the same "value for money" banner. They spent a lot of money (I don't have the figure to hand) renovating the Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House and it would be equally stupid to have such a resource and not to use it.

If the BBC were recording in external theatres in London then I would certainly agree that it could be more cost effective and better in terms of inclusion to do that in various locations around the country. I would also be tempted to thing about elitism in such a case. However they aren't doing that; they're using their own existing resources which, although I am personally sorry they are no longer touring, I can understand in purely "value for money" terms.

I do think, though, that with a JaM series running to so many episodes that a balancing act can and should be struck. Yes, they need to use the Radio Theatre but they also need to be taking JaM to the regions. And letting those of us who can only get to London very infrequently have a better chance of seeing a show "live".

On a slightly different subject, given the popularity of Jam with the World Service, it may be interesting to contemplate doing some overseas recordings? Just an off-the-wall thought! ;-) Maybe Dean would be guest of honour if they got as far as New Zealand?

kJ

 
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