Rural Affairs Champion

• A range of new posts including a Rural Affairs Champion (Dimitri Houtart – Radio 4’s Rural Affairs and Environment Editor, 2015) have improved promotion of rural issues across the BBC network. 

Improved use of existing BBC expertise 

• The BBC Executive extended the briefs of three regional correspondents and experts from Countryfile and Farming Today to contribute to the main network news broadcasts.
• New opportunities were introduced for BBC journalists to exchange ideas and experiences, and to develop knowledge of rural issues.

Increased diversity of rural voices in the news

• A greater sharing of contacts and information led to enhanced coverage on the BBC’s flagship shows.