BBC move north is a step closer

The BBC has moved a step closer to switching five key departments to Salford. Governors have concluded that the proposed £4million relocation in 2010 represents value for money to licence fee payers.

Director General Mark Thompson is backing the controversial plans to relocate 1,500 staff in a bid to make the corporation less "London-centric."

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BBC acting chairman Anthony Salz said: "The BBC has been too London-centric for too long and the Board of Governors has supported the BBC's ambitious plans."

The decision is expected to be rubber-stamped next year by new BBC Trust.

BBC Sport, Radio Five Live, Children's BBC, New Media and Formal Learning are due to move in 2010. The move has split the corporation with Ruth Pitt, a leading BBC producer and creative director on the project, resigning last May.

Mr Thompson has previously threatened to drop the plans if the Government does not increase the licence fee above the rate of inflation.

• Sir Christopher Bland, the chairman of BT, was offered the chairmanship of ITV before Michael Grade was appointed. Grade resigned as BBC chairman last month.