More of the North East is set to enjoy the national TV spotlight thanks to a new partnership with BBC comedy chiefs, it has been announced.
The just-unveiled scheme, involving Northern Film and Media, aims to bring a boost to comedy writing in the region which is currently under-represented on TV despite being what a commissioning editor for the channel called "a hot bed of talent". And the expected result will be the creation of fresh shows for broadcast.
The BBC's new Regional Partnership Scheme forms part of its commitment to making its biggest investment in the North East for decades and it took the opportunity to announce the news on the day it launched its three-day comedy festival - a first - in Newcastle. The city has been picked to host the inaugural event which is bringing big names including Greg Davies, Charlie Brooker and Stephen Merchant north this week.
