Report of the future of the BBC Performing Groups

[french frank]

The Myerscough report looking at the future of the BBC Orchestras and Singers has been published. Key conclusion:

"The report examined both closures of the PGs and equal cost reductions across the groups as a means of decreasing investment. It found that either way a severe diminution would result in the quality, range and volume of live and specially recorded music available to the BBC. This would be inconsistent with the Corporation‟s editorial needs and delivery to audiences. Savings would only be achieved were the lost output not to be replaced, and like-for-like replacement programming, sourced elsewhere, would more than eat up savings generated by in-house closures. As long as the editorial needs of Radio 3 continue to require large volumes of specialist repertoire, a 20% saving in the PGs would not be achievable."

I haven't read the whole document yet, but Tim Davie's blog is here with a link to the report.

[DracoM]

Actually, at least as important is a bit lower down in terms of outlining practical impact:

More specifically, this approach reduces costs by: modifying the number of contracted staff in each group to match more closely their output; introducing some session-based contracts to achieve simpler operation and more flexibility; modernising some work practices to encourage flexibility and value for money; and lowering administration costs further by sharing functions, especially among the three London groups and the Proms. Limited increase in box office revenue, while ensuring we retain distinctiveness, also contributes to the plan.

Food for thought?

[PJPJ]

In simple language does this mean reducing the complement of each orchestra, and bussing in extras for works demanding a larger band?

[Flosshilde]

" like-for-like replacement programming, sourced elsewhere, would more than eat up savings generated by in-house closures. As long as the editorial needs of Radio 3 continue to require large volumes of specialist repertoire,"


But if they decide that more programming can be CD-based then savings in the performing groups can, presumably be made? There's plenty of wriggle-room in the words I've highlighted above.

[french frank]

I think if they want to wriggle, they'll do so no matter what the review says. R3's service licence stipulates how much is expected to be live or specially recorded - I think 50%, and they alway exceed that. That said, remember the 'commitment' to a messageboard in R3's service licence?