Met Office loses BBC weather forecasting contract after almost a century
And people aren't happy about it
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Met Office has lost its BBC weather forecasting contract after almost a century, the broadcast company has confirmed.
The Met has provided data for BBC forecasts since their first ever weather bulletin in 1922.
However, the BBC has now opened up the contract to foreign competition, including firms from The Netherlands and New Zealand. The new replacement will be expected to take over from next year.
A BBC spokesperson explained that the broadcasters are legally obliged to deliver the best value for money for the taxpayer and that they believed alternate providers would be in a better position to do so.
They 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 strongest bids to make sure we secure both the best possible service and value for money for the licence fee payer.”
In a statement issued by the BBC, Steve Noyes, Met Office operations and customer services director, said: “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.
“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.”
The news has sparked concern as to what can replace the Met Office’s trusted forecasts. Social media users have taken to Twitter to express their shock at the news and suggest replacements for the company.
It is understood that the Met will continue to provide severe weather warnings for the BBC.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments