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BBC under fire ahead of director-general's Birmingham visit

Tony Hall is in the city today to laud the corporation's presence here but Birmingham MP demands more investment in the Midlands

Head of BBC Birmingham Joe Godwin at The Mailbox

The BBC's director-general has visited the broadcaster's Mailbox headquarters today - but came in for criticism over investment levels.

Lord Hall is visiting the BBC Birmingham base and lauded the broadcaster for increasing investment in the Midlands.

However, a mere 13 per cent of the - compared to at least half in every other º£½ÇÊÓÆµ region.

Lord Hall announced initiatives including a new "Birmingham Writer in Residence" and a public-facing Blue Room at The Mailbox.

However, he has not responded to criticism that the BBC produces no prime-time television in the Midlands - a region which accounts for almost a quarter of its income.

Selly Oak's Labour MP Steve McCabe said: "I had rather hoped that Lord Hall was coming to say he had got investment up to 13 per cent and to talk about how he increased it from there.

"He should be setting out how it will grow by that amount every year for the next few years until investment is up to a level that is acceptable and we are finally getting our fair share.

"We need to hear a target for the BBC to get to in order to stop it from short changing the licence fee-payers of the Midlands."