The BBC should move Strictly to Salford to secure a new “fairer” licence fee deal from Andy Burnham if he becomes prime minister, industry insiders have said.
Allies believe he would be ready to guarantee the BBC’s long-term future in return for an increased commitment to move flagship shows and senior bosses out of London to the UK’s regions.
Figures familiar with Burnham’s thinking said the PM-in-waiting would favour reforms to the £180-a-year licence fee that reduce the cost for lower income households.
Proposals to extend the charge to people who watch streaming services like Netflix could be considered, potentially increasing the number of people who pay.
The new BBC Charter, which covers its running and funding and is being negotiated this year, could include commitments to shift more programme production and commissioning power out of London to the North, as well as the devolved nations, The i Paper understands.
