The BBC has chosen Press Association’s Stream UK, to create a shared content hub for local news providers.
The tech firm won the work following a tender process and will provide the central destination where newspapers can access BBC material.
Stream UK already provides streaming operations for the BBC World Service.
It’s part of the Local News Partnerships agreement between the BBC and the News Media Association, creating 150 new journalism jobs and a shared data journalism unit.
Processes are already under way at the BBC to ensure that every local television and radio news clip and package will be available on the system for news organisations to download. Currently more than 600 have been approved to be part of the scheme.
“This takes us a step closer to our exciting step for local journalism. Stream UK currently helps the BBC World Service deliver content to its network of partners and we’re confident it will be able to provide a simple and smart solution for domestic news providers too,” said David Holdsworth, controller of BBC English Regions.
The next step will be to award 60 contracts to run the network of 150 Local Democracy Reporters, funded by the Licence Fee.
“We are moving ever closer to seeing the first of the Local Democracy Reporters employed by the local news media organisations. This is a significant investment in local journalism that will help to reinforce the coverage of our local councils,” added Jeremy Clifford, chair of the NMA/BBC Advisory Panel.
“The partnership between the NMA and the BBC has demonstrated how news organisations can work collaboratively for a common goal.”
