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MP blasts BBC after journalism apprentice interviews held in London and Salford

Gisela Stuart has written to director general Tony Hall to complain that the BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme would not take place in Birmingham despite overtures about taking the city seriously

Gisela Stuart (Image: Pic: Richard Maude)

City MP Gisela Stuart has hit out at the for only holding interviews for would-be journalists in London and Salford.

Ms Stuart has written to director general Tony Hall to complain that the BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme would solely see candidates interviewed in those cities, despite overtures about taking Birmingham seriously.

The Edgbaston Labour MP was a major figure in campaigning for more BBC investment in the city last year and with the role she said she had been disappointed with the results thus far.

The broadcaster announced last May that its talent centre, the , was moving to the Mailbox, claiming it would mean more young people would start their careers in the city.

But the journalism scheme, a paid initiative to give journalists experience to broaden their broadcasting skills, will be held elsewhere.

Ms Stuart said: “Given that this was supposed to be heralded as great news, having apprenticeship admissions in Birmingham and now they are not even coming to Birmingham to interview, I find it very disappointing.

“I have written to Tony Hall to point out that what they are doing in Salford and London they should be doing here too.”

Previous BBC trainee scheme graduates include past and present BBC director generals Mark Thompson, news presenter Huw Edwards, Radio Two presenter Jeremy Vine, The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant, as well as Mr Hall himself.