Much as everyone would like Salford's MediaCityUK to be a success, they can't seriously expect the whole of the 2012 Olympics tv base to decamp from London to the Quays can they? Oh yes they can!
According to a recent report, Bryan Gray - Chairman of Peel Media which is building the site - has "sent a letter to Central Government supporting the proposal to position the Olympic Broadcast Centre at MediaCityUK".
Meanwhile, MediaCity appears to see the Olympics, not as a sporting competition, but as competition for influence and money. A little note from the same Salford Council report states that "there is a risk that the current national government (and other high level political influence) focus on the 2012 Olympics may mean that additional funding and political support required for MCUK may, by default, go the Olympics instead."
In an attempt to gain political influence at the `highest level' a series of ministers including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Culture and Business Ministers have visited the site. They'll be thrilled to know that MCUK have absolute faith in their party getting re-elected at the next General Election…
Under the heading, Change of National Government the report states…"A change in administration and subsequent Central Gov priorities could impact on funding and other support vital to the long term success of MCUK…Explore with partners informal links with current HM Opposition…"
