BBC renews North East creative commitment

A national broadcaster is strengthening its commitment to storytelling, skills development and production in the North East.

The BBC has announced an extended memorandum of understanding to the region as part of its Across the UK strategy, working in partnership with North East mayor Kim McGuinness, Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and the North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP).

The agreement will see at least £40 million invested in network TV commissioning in the North East by the end of 2027, including an additional £15 million of new funding.

This builds on targets already met since 2021, with more than £25 million invested and a growing slate of commissions delivered from the region. 

These include the award-winning comedy Smoggie Queens, which returns for a second series this spring, alongside programmes such as Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes, Joanna Page’s Wild Life, The Big Idea Works and long-running series The Dumping Ground.

New productions are also in development, including daytime drama The Northumbria Mysteries, which will be filmed and set in the region.

The BBC will also continue to bring major events to the region, such as Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland this May, which is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors.

Heidi Dawson, BBC head of North of England, said: “We’re incredibly proud to extend our commitment to the North East, one of the BBC’s priority creative clusters, with the North East Screen Industries Partnership.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen exceptional talent, creativity and ambition flourish across the North East, and this additional commitment will ensure even more homegrown storytelling from across the region.

“From new scripted series to returning favourites, the North East is a vital part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy, and we’re excited to build on this momentum through to 2027.”

Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, added: “This renewed commitment recognises our region’s strength and positions us as a key player in the UK’s future screen landscape.

“This extension shows the BBC believes in the North East, as a welcoming home to major productions thanks to our stunning world-class locations, crew and facilities.

“The region has always been full of creativity, resilience and brilliant storytelling. 

“Having the BBC behind us means more jobs, more training pathways, and more chances for people from every corner of our region to be part of a thriving screen industry.”

Alongside production, the partnership will focus on developing talent and skills, supporting initiatives such as the Digital Accelerator scheme and linking with education providers to grow the creative workforce.

Mayor McGuinness, who recently announced a record £104 million funding package to boost the North East’s creative industries, added: “I've always been clear I want our creative talents to have the success they deserve in the region, without needing to head off to the capital. 

“That’s why I’m putting creative jobs at the heart of my plans for growth.

“We’re already seeing production ramp up in the North East, and last week we announced record funding to boost creative skills and build the region’s first film studio to sustain that growth.

“I want to see more North East stories being told by North East creatives and this new partnership is a step closer to making that happen. 

“The BBC clearly recognises what we have to offer with new shows being filmed in Sunderland and Northumberland and I can’t wait to see what more is still to come.”

Mayor Houchen added: "This partnership with the BBC has played a hugely important role in supporting our ambition to establish our region as a growing centre for the creative and digital industries.

"This extension will develop even more opportunities to showcase our incredible locations and outstanding local talent, while building on our reputation as a leading destination for TV and filmmaking.

“On top of our investment in first-class facilities at Hartlepool's Northern Studios, it will also further support the development of local skills, inspire greater ambition, and help local people see that they can build a successful career in TV and film right here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

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