THE BBC was right to choose Salford over Manchester for its new base.
That's the view of former Head of Sport Roger Mosey who has welcomed the controversial move north.
In 2011, the BBC will switch some of its key services from London to Media City, at Salford Quays.
The decision was made after a bitter battle to become the BBC's new northern home between Salford and Manchester.
And Mr Mosey, who is now heading the BBC's coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, said that, for him, Salford was always first choice.
He also thinks that a move away from the capital could be a shot in the arm for the broadcaster.
But the 51-year-old admitted that the relocation was too much for some employees to agree to.
Mr Mosey described Salford as the 'natural choice'.
It was chosen after a heated contest with Manchester in a move that was said to have infuriated council bosses in the neighbouring city.
Allegations surfaced that Salford had sponsored the BBC Philharmonic as a £20m sweetener, but this was denied by town hall chiefs.
The bid included a prime slot at the Quays and Mr Mosey believes the location was key.
He said: "I was a really big advocate of Salford. With the Lowry and the water there it really feels like modern Britain and I think that is really important."
Some have hit out at the move away from the capital but Mr Mosey believes it was essential.
He explained: "Previously we spent 90 per cent of licence fee payer's money in London – that's just not sustainable long-term."
And he believes the move could spark a new generation of TV production.
He said: "I'm from the north and I can remember the heyday of ITV in the 70s. The days of London Weekend Television, Granada, Central and Yorkshire all making their own productions - that's what we're looking for."
It was revealed last week that Manchester could host the opening action of the Olympics and Mr Mosey does not feel the city will feel left out.
He added: "The torch relay will no doubt stop here and I'm sure there will be a number of events celebrating the games."
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Opinion Man (24/11/2009 at 12:13)
BlueBoy1 , Bolton (24/11/2009 at 12:42)
Gary SK13 (24/11/2009 at 13:04)
nyb, ex manc (24/11/2009 at 13:41)
Lord De Las Moscas, Piggly Wiggly Farm (24/11/2009 at 13:46)
If we MUST have a State Television and Broadcaster all we need is this:
1 tv channel
1 radio station
1 web site
If all the rest is so wonderful it will survive in the real world. If all the staff are so talented they will thrive in the private sector and earn what they really are worth - That may be more, it may be less.
I for one am sick of this tax and the threat of prison if I do not pay for something I dont want. I dont agree with Johnathan Ross behaviour and dont want to pay for him. But I have to or I will be made a criminal.
It is outrageous that the poor are forced to pay for the lucky BBC executives to live like Kings on 250k salaries and perks and pensions etc.
James Yates, Hyde, Cheshire (24/11/2009 at 17:49)
John Martin (25/11/2009 at 05:29)
The city with all the talent is ignored once more by the BBC,not even given a local radio station bearing its own name.
This city is,'The natural choice'
Arizonan
Blue Dude, Manchester. (26/11/2009 at 17:08)
Salford is where Media CITY is located take a look at the film sets at The Pie Factory where Drop Dead Gorgeous / Royal Family and and and is filmed. At the moment 90% of BBC spend is INSIDE the M25. They were told by the Govt that in order to maintain their status as a State Funded organisation the figure of 10% outside the M25 had to rise to 45% of their spend by 2012. Get it...
The move has been forced upon them to some extent but we in the NORTH WEST gain, honestly Salford its 3 bus stops away...
As far as tax money is concerned please remember that HMRC gains 25% of its revenue from the square mile (Westminster WC1) and another 25% from Canary Wharf (E14) then add the rest of London & the SE (40% of the UK population) so get a grip guys and a reality check about London & the SE. Three million Londoners get the tube every day (been there done that thank you for 7 years) which is twice the population of Manchester.
So investment in Media City by BBC (MTV Europe to follow suit soon). This is good news for the region, manchester and salfordians (oh pleeezze, do you know how tiny you sound when you try to make out there is huge difference between postcode M50 and M3 or rather 4 stops on the west bound section of the GMPTE metro...
Almighty God, Salford (26/11/2009 at 17:19)
salfordrat (27/11/2009 at 07:58)
nyb, ex manc
What does 'artifical boundaries' mean? Are you suggesting that Salford is nothing more than some kind of excerice in re-drawn boundaries? If so you need to do some research mate.
Nicola Dyson (27/11/2009 at 12:42)
Mr Manchester (02/12/2009 at 12:44)