24/08/2015

BBC Ends Met Office Forecasting Contract

The BBC has decided to end its weather forecasting contract with the Met Office.

The weather forecast service has provided the data used by the BBC since its first weather bulletin in November 1922.

The Met Office has said the decision is "disappointing", but that it would continue to work with the BBC.

"Nobody knows Britain's weather better and, during our long relationship with the BBC, we've revolutionised weather communication to make it an integral part of British daily life," said Steve Noyes, Met Office operations and customer services director. "This is disappointing news, but we will be working to make sure that vital Met Office advice continues to be a part of BBC output."

In a statement, a spokesperson for the BBC said: "Our viewers get the highest standard of weather service and that won't change. We are legally required to go through an open tender process and take forward the strongest bids to make sure we secure both the best possible service and value for money for the licence fee payer.

"Our graphics are already supplied by another provider and our long standing relationship with the Met Office will continue as we intend to still broadcast their severe weather warnings."

It is understood a new provider will be announced later this year.

(JP)

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