BBC's Newsbeat and Asian Network relocate to Birmingham

Birmingham is to become the home to BBC 's Asian Network and Newsbeat teams as part of the broadcaster 's radical plans to move key departments and staff out of London.

The BBC today announced a “top-to-bottom change ” with entire departments and news divisions moving to Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds and Salford.

“Our mission must be to deliver for the whole of the UK and ensure every household gets value from the BBC, ” said director general Tim Davie.

“These plans will get us closer to audiences, create jobs and investment, and develop and nurture new talent. ”

As part of the changes, Radio 1's Newsbeat team will relocate to Birmingham, while the Second City will also become the new base for the Asian Network.

News and current affairs programmes like BBC Two's Newsnight will be presented from different UK bases through the year, while Radio 4's flagship Today programme is to be co-presented from outside London for at least 100 episodes a year.

The BBC Concert Orchestra and some Proms are also to leave London and the broadcaster has promised 100 new reporters to be based in towns and areas that have never had a regional TV presence.