A massive BBC shake-up is bringing another 1,000 jobs to Salford’s MediaCity — but could mean a less sunny outlook for some of the region’s best-known TV faces.
Two of BBC North West Tonight’s three weather presenters could disappear from screens as part of sweeping cuts to the corporation.
In future only one of the show’s current forecasters – Dianne Oxberry, Eno Eruotor and Heather Stott – will appear in that role, although they may continue in other capacities at the BBC.
The programme’s daily 3pm bulletins will also be scrapped, along with the Saturday lunchtime slot.
Radio Manchester is to lose 10 full time jobs in the plans, part of a bid to save 20pc of the broadcaster’s overall budget.
The station is expected to share more output with other radio stations, particularly at evenings and weekends.
At regional current affairs show Inside Out North West, three out of eight jobs will go as the programme ‘strand’ faces a 40pc cut nationwide.
Local sports coverage will also be shaken up, but the BBC said it was too early to give details.
The National Union of Journalists says staff were ‘stunned’ by the announcement.
It comes as the BBC looks to save £650m in the next six years to make up for a frozen licence fee.
As part of the cuts, 1,000 more staff will move to Media City by 2017 on top of the 2,300 already locating. They are expected to be largely back office staff, but digital channel BBC Three will also relocate.
1,000 extra staff at Media City as BBC Three joins the move to Salford
Peter Salmon, head of BBC North, said: "Like the rest of the BBC, we have to first deliver 20 per cent savings including some job losses.
"Moving forward, the moves to Salford will enhance and strengthen the BBC’s long-term presence at Media City UK."
The BBC will also show more repeats on BBC One and cut comedy on Radio 2 and Radio 5.
Director general Mark Thompson said: "It’s a plan for a smaller BBC, but a BBC which uses its resources more effectively."
But shadow culture secretary and Bury South MP Ivan Lewis said he wanted assurances that senior management would take their fair share of the cuts.
He added: "Having considered the cuts, my main concerns are their impact on jobs and growth in our creative industries, the quality of local radio and prospect of compulsory redundancies."
The proposals will now go out to public consultation.
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Keep Diane
Keep Diana ,please.
Of the 3 weather "girls" I hope they keep dianne
Overpaid dolly birds who spend a couple of minutes on the screen twice in the evening, anyone could present the weather, it's not tremendously high profile!
It's sad though that people have to lose their jobs, mainly because in a sector which is massively over rewarded, people are so blinded by greed that they cannot envisage taking a collective pay cut to avoid so many redundancies. You can bet though that the BBC luvvies will still be reading their Guardians and spouting their socialism to every one else still.
That's a pity, I'll have to stick my hand out of the window to see if it's raining before deciding on what to wear.
Today, I shall largely be wearing... galoshes.
And, giving a nod to my feminine side, I shall carry a pink umbrella.
Regarding the weather girls Quite understandable really the programme is only aired briefly during the day and does not need to be covered by so many presenters, but if the jobs are lost and then replaced by a team from London move then that would be despicable behavior.I also feel that one of these ladys in particular isnt upto the job and often presents rather poorly anyway.
Never listened to Radio Manchester so dont have an opinion on that really, but do understand radios biggest listener is the car driver,and many of them use MP3 players.
How can you not keep Heather for the Weather? Her radio show is good too.
Bring fred over from granada and tell him to bring his floating map back now that was weather forcasting at its best.
Sleep well....you deserve it.
Sack the three and Get Gordon Burns back to do the weather on a part time role.
They are just 3 (supposed) dolly birds designed to appeal to a certain demographic, who read from an autocue. Non of them are Meteorologists.
Its ridiculous that we see the national weather (that includes our region), immediately followed by the local weather, saying exactly the same thing.
Please, please, PLEEEASE keep Dianne Oxberry xxx
Sack all three and employ someone with meteorological qualifications.
You can tell the difference between the national forecasts and the local.
One of the three 'forecasters' in the article is absolutely bleedin awful.
Dianne!
Keep Diane, please.
I fear that it could be Eno who get's kept.
Both Dianne & Heather are qualified weather reporters as well as being more than able to present shows on TV and radio so could get other jobs within the organisation
Eno appears to be qualified in wearing bad clothes and presenting the weather poorly, if they get rid of her will she ever work again?
make tevez do it
It's also been stated that BBC 3 is coming to Salford. Can we not have this station? In fact, can we close it altogether - it's output is well served by childrens TV and BBC 1. Kids TV could be merged - why have CBBC running during the day when kids in it's reach are at school. I know BBC wish to keep BBC 3 because they'll have an extra channel during the Olympics and kids TV will be merged for the duration then anyway.
1000 NEW JOBS for Salford, yet you're leading on this???
Just look out of the window
It's raining men - hallelujah its raining men - amen.
Oh sorry wrong Weather girls......
Diane Oxberry is great. In fact, I think she should replace Gordon as anchor.
Don't know Heather. Eno was a fashion designer before and I think she should have stuck to that. Her awkwardness and poor speech make me feel so uncomfortable I have to switch over to the other channel. A sixth former on secondment could do better.
Eno ... Uno you're going
Heather already has a radio job, and other bits on the side.
Get Michael Fish in, at least we'll know what not to wear
Do we really need any of them. Their predictions are rarely close to the mark and most times we can guess better ourselves.
And don't stop with the weather girls, what about all the radio D.J's that have a sidekick with them, then somebody else to give the travel reports and yet another to read the news.
It's the same with news programmes on T.V. Why do they need two presenters sat at a desk sharing the stories. I'm sure the news would be exactly the same if it was read by one presenter.
Please do not keep Eno, she makes uncomfortable viewing. She is over the top, too enthusiastic and dresses appallingly!