Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 12 hrs ago
BBC drops plan for new Archers studio in Birmingham
The BBC has scrapped plans for a new studio for The Archers in Birmingham as part of its cost-cutting drive.
The radio drama has been recorded in the city for 75 years, since it began in 1951.
The BBC had planned to build the studio at the Tea Factory, its new hub in Digbeth, but the production team is still set to move there in early 2028.
The broadcaster is now considering existing BBC studios around the UK and other studio options in the West Midlands.
No final decision has been made about where recordings will take place.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said he was disappointed and plans to discuss options with BBC Director General Matt Brittin.
The BBC says it wants to save money while maintaining production standards, and says the cast’s needs will be considered.
The BBC has shelved plans for a new studio for The Archers in Birmingham as part of its cost-cutting drive.
The broadcaster is assessing existing BBC studios and other options in the West Midlands and elsewhere in the UK.
The BBC says no final decision has been made about where the programme will be recorded.
The production team is still scheduled to move to the Tea Factory in Digbeth in early 2028.
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has called for the programme to remain in Birmingham.
- Who
- The BBC is considering where to record The Archers. West Midlands mayor Richard Parker opposes moving recordings out of Birmingham.
- What
- The BBC has abandoned plans to build a new recording studio for the programme and is reviewing other studio options.
- When
- The decision was reported on 12 and 13 October 2026. The production team is still set to move in early 2028.
- Where
- The planned studio was to be at the Tea Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham. The BBC is considering facilities in the West Midlands and elsewhere in the UK.
- Why
- The BBC says it is part of a wider drive to reduce costs while maintaining the programme’s production standards.
BBC
Richard Parker
Recording location
BBC
The BBC is assessing studio options in the West Midlands and elsewhere in the UK, and says no final decision has been made.
Richard Parker
Parker wants The Archers to remain in Birmingham and says the city has the talent and facilities.
Cost and regional investment
BBC
The BBC says it is seeking significant savings while maintaining production standards.
Richard Parker
Parker says moving the programme would go against the BBC’s promise to invest in and support the regions.
The Archers first aired nationally.
The Guardian reported that the BBC had scrapped plans for a new studio and was exploring other recording locations.
The BBC reported that the broadcaster had shelved the studio plan and was assessing other facilities.
The programme’s production team is still scheduled to move to the Tea Factory in Digbeth.
- Recording history
- 75 years in Birmingham
- Planned studio
- Tea Factory, Digbeth
- Production team move
- Early 2028
- Recording schedule
- About eight days a month in the studio
- Cost-cutting plan
- £500m cuts plan cited by the Guardian
3 sources
What people are saying
no final decision has been made
There is no good reason why we should lose a programme that has called Birmingham home for decades.
It is going to weaken the show
It will change the DNA of the show