The BBC is to move more of its news, television and radio operations to the regions and counties of the United Kingdom to better reflect its audiences, resulting in 400 jobs relocating from the capital.

Director-General Tim Davie said the broadcaster, which is funded by a licence fee paid by TV watching households, had to deliver for the whole of Britain.

Critics have said the BBC’s London-centric and metropolitan viewpoint has meant it has failed to fully represent alternative views, notably in the Brexit debate.

Davie said when he started the job six months ago that the broadcaster must represent “every part of this country”.

Under the plan, half of the broadcaster’s news teams focusing on Britain would move outside London, affecting 200 journalist jobs. Half of the BBC network radio and music spend would also be outside London by 2027/28.