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BBC planning to share staff with local newspapers as part of reform

The BBC's director general is to lay out plans for the future of the corporation today, including a multi-million pound proposal to share staff and resources with local newspapers.

In a speech, Tony Hall will announce the "Open BBC" plan, which will include a network of 100 "public service reporters" shared with local news providers.

The BBC is also expected to announce an expansion of the World Service, including its first broadcasts into North Korea, as part of plans for its future.

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BBC planning to share staff with local newspapers

Tony Hall will outline plans for an 'Open BBC'. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Archive

The BBC's director general is to lay out plans for the future of the corporation today, including a multi-million pound proposal to share staff and resources with local newspapers.

In a speech, Tony Hall will announce the "Open BBC" plan, which will include a network of 100 "public service reporters" shared with local news providers.

The programme would also see the creation of a local News Bank, allowing news content to be syndicated by local and regional outlets.

A BBC source described the move - funded by the licence fee - as an attempt to reverse the fortunes of local media outlets that have struggled amid the growth of online news.

The growth of online news has had a big impact on the local news industry. While the BBC is not the cause of that, we do believe local news is essential for a strong democracy and we want to be part of the solution.

This is an unprecedented offer that would put millions into a genuinely exciting local journalism partnership.

– BBC source
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BBC planning to share staff with local newspapers as part of reform

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