November 2000 North report

Report of the 9 November 2000 North liason meeting held at Leeds.

Update by Colin Philpott (HRLP).

Programmes

Over the previous six to eight weeks, the cluster had been running important news stories on the fuel crisis, the train disruption and the floods. "Look North" had slipped slightly and "close Up North" was starting slowly. RAJAR figures for York were fantastic, Sheffield was above target, Humberside's share was up but Leeds' figures indicated a big drop even though they were higher than two years ago.

The breakfast revamp and the 2225 had been editorial successes. The response to getting on-air in two weeks had been fantastic.

There would be a local event in the North region for "Music Live" next year.

Online

Brochure sites had been improved over the last two months and there had been a dramatic rise in the number of hits. The Leeds online site was being launched that day. A site for Bradford would follow in January.

Sub opts

Radio Humberside would be splitting its broadcast to cover South Humberside. There would be an experiment with a sub opt for Harrogate. There would be promotions in Harrogate and Grimsby and later in Barnsley and Bradford. Next year, there would be major campaigns for local radio.

Asian Network

The Asian Network would be expanded to the region from 27th November.

Buildings and technology

In Sheffield, work continued: work would start in Leeds in January: management was looking for new buildings for Hull, Grimsby and Bradford.

New computers were being installed across the region. A new satellite truck for television (shared with the other northern regions) would be delivered next year.

DVCs

The unions believed that the guidelines for use should be reinforced. They had concerns that DVCs were being used as a substitute for filming facilities in weekly programmes. Further discussions would take place locally.

Staffing

With the change of news to 2200, the unions believed staff were now stretched to the absolute limit. Colin said much of this was due to the extra reporting due to the floods and that would not continue much longer. Items of new technology being introduced should ease the work load. Most of the strain was at or about the point of transmission. Resources staff had concerns about long hours which were being worked. Management believed this would be addressed by having a camera desk.

Ceefax

The unions said there was no agreement for having dedicated Cefax BJs. They believed there should be rotation for staff development through gaining skills, to provide cover and for the avoidance of RSI. Kate Watkins, Output Editor, replied that the standard of Cefax varied as not everyone wanted to do it. The standard could only be maintained by having dedicated Cefax BJs. She acknowledged there needed to be a wider group who could move round Cefax, subtitling and online.

Bi-media researcher

Kate reported that three people had received initial familiarisation and the role would be combined with the camera desk. The unions had hoped this would be a specialist role.

Personnel

The meeting noted that Linda North, Personnel Manager, had left the BBC. Until the outcome of the Personnel review of the English regions, Damien Deeney (personnel Manager, Manchester) would manage the three northern clusters. At each centre, a member of the personnel team would act as Personnel Officer, dealing with day to day issues.

PSE reorganisation

BECTU reported that the national level agreement was now in place and would be reviewed shortly.

Diversity

Visits to schools were being arranged.