[itsrobert]

I’d argue that ABC being very decentralised reflects Australia in general.

While Canberra is the capital city, Sydney is the most significant media base for most broadcasters. Australia in general has the vast majority of the population concentrated in/around 5 major cities across the country. It also has several time zones. Catering to all of this means it may make sense to make extensive use of bases across the country.

News in Australia is also very different, generally. The country is quite parochial. Apart from most having a bit of interest in British affairs, due to our long historical connections, most Australians really don’t care very much about international news. In fact, they primarily care about regional/local news and this gets higher viewing figures than national news programmes. Their “news diet” is therefore different and the way ABC produce news reflects that.

I’d argue we are in the opposite position. The country is physically, geographically small so is only one time zone. London is a traditional capital city, where pretty much every company would have it’s UK HQ. Other news, whether political, the arts or whatever, really tends to originate from London. It therefore makes huge sense to have a centralised news department there.

Salford should have a basic North West Tonight/Today operation like every other region, at low cost. Breakfast should come from London, and the News at One should also. The idea of having part of the same team produce both is more an argument for Breakfast to return to London than for the One to move to Salford.

Why is having things randomly not in London regarded as a “Good Thing” when it creates inefficiencies, costs more and results in little difference to the viewer (often arguably a downgrade)?

In fact, at a time of such cuts in news at the BBC, cuts which are severely affecting the quality of output, how can such extravagance possibly be justified?

I'm guessing you're from London then? 

I think there are two points to make here. Firstly, although major political and economic news predominantly emanates from London, I can't agree with you about the arts and other related fields like culture and music. There are many other UK cities to rival, and arguably exceed, London on that score, two of which - Liverpool and Manchester - are close to Media City. Having Breakfast based in Salford has allowed regional voices to be heard - not necessarily always as presenters - but as contributors in the studio. For instance, it is refreshing to see academics from universities in Northern England featured for analysis, rather than the usual contributors from London. 

Secondly, creating more significant media industries across the UK opens up opportunities for young people wanting to work in the sector. Twenty years ago, I did briefly consider a career in the media, but I didn't relish the prospect of having to probably relocate to London. It's nice that young people these days have more opportunities across the UK to work in front of and behind the camera in the media industry.

So, yes, whilst it may create some inefficiencies, there are some significant benefits as well.