More national and regional News on BBC Networks ( re-posted)

I‘m re-posting this because of technical problems with links in the earlier version. Many apologies.

Do you feel the BBC in London have forgotten all about Northern Ireland now that the Troubles are over? That an “ordinary” murder in NI doesn’t get the same coverage as a stabbing in England? The BBC Trust, the corporation’s regulator, may well agree with you. In a recent review of UK-wide coverage, the Trust has made a “must do better” order to London newsdesks to improve reporting from the Nations ( the wee ones, that means) and ( English) Regions

The review applies to Scotland and Wales too of course, which never had our baleful attractions for the networks. You may also have wondered why in the past few days BBC network News has covered stories like £150 for Dundonians to give up the cigs

Or news of today’s launch of a spanking new children’s channel for Welsh speakers (don’t tell Gregory Campbell)
Now you know why we’re hearing stories like these and can expect more.

As a former BBC editor I have a lot of sympathy with the newsdesks. Official information on a UK wide basis just isn’t collated for all sorts of important themes That’s why you hear so many references to “England and Wales”, or just “England” in stories about crime, education and health. This yawning gap is something Whitehall is belatedly addressing with the devolved governments. I also have deep doubts that the demand for more reporting from the Nations and Regions is as great as the BBC Trust claims it is; it’s more the sort of right-on answer people give in surveys. However no doubt it’s a worthy, nation-building cause.
If you still feel left out of all this newfound BBC prominence, you know you who to complain to – and it aint Slugger.

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