More of the BBC should leave London, says head of Radio 5

Mote of the BBC needs to be based outside London to reflect the conversation of the nation” and secure its future, according to the controller of BBC Radio 5 Live.

- Alexandra Topping

As the station celebrates its 30th birthday today witha series of special shows and tributes, its boss argues that the station is well-placed to see off the multiple headwinds buffeting its HQin London, including a further 200m of annual cuts announced by the BBC’s director general this week.

“I think that the power of live radio will power 5 Live on for the next 30 years, I really do believe that,’ Heidi Dawson said.

Like the rest of the corporation the station has been subject to cuts, but it has not gone online only as had once been rumoured orindeed been axed, much to the relief of its 5.2 million weekly listeners.