BBC bosses are to boost efforts to sound less 'London-centric' with regional voiceovers featuring local accents

The BBC is set to introduce ‘bespoke’ regional voiceovers between programmes to make the corporation feel less London-centred.

Announcements between shows will be made in local accents for BBC1 in the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The BBC’s director of nations, Rhodri Talfan Davies, revealed the plan as part of the corporation’s ‘across the UK’ initiative. 

Announcements between shows will be made in local accents from the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Mr Talfan Davies said: ‘We are tailor-making the feel of the channel for more areas.’ 

In an interview with Sky News, Mr Talfan Davies was asked if the move was ‘a little bit condescending and superficial’.

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But he said: ‘It would be superficial if we weren’t also radically shifting our focus across network television – if I was to say: “Let’s give BBC1 a northern voice.”’

Mr Talfan Davies said there will be a shift in ‘focus and garnering of stories’ to areas outside of London in the initiative. 

Programmes such as BBC2’s Newsnight, presented by Emily Maitlis (pictured) is set to go on the road

Programmes such as BBC2’s Newsnight and Radio 4’s Today will go on the road to different cities.

Mr Talfan Davies said: ‘If we’re all living within the M25 bubble, that inevitably has an impact on the editorial choices we make. So I believe it will make a difference.’

Asked if the move would have been given the seal of approval by Lord Reith, the BBC’s first director-general, Mr Talfan Davies replied: ‘I suspect tastes have moved on.’