Viewers force BBC forecast change

Thousands complained that the map had a southern bias
The BBC is to modify its controversial new weather map after
complaints that it did not give enough prominence to Scotland and the
north of England.
The angle at which viewers see the UK will be changed from Saturday -
but the colours will stay the same.

Around 4,000 people complained after the map was changed two weeks
ago, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) calling it "daft" and
"distorted".

The BBC said it had "carefully assessed feedback from viewers".

"The move follows comments from viewers that the map gave too much
prominence to the southern part of the country," a statement said.

Our complaints system has had a role in helping us to understand our
audiences' concerns

"The change to the tilt of the map will allow viewers to see more of
the north of England and Scotland."

BBC weather manager Andrew Lane said the new technology was "very
flexible" and provided the "clarity and realism" viewers wanted.

"However, we have always made it clear that we listen to our audiences
and our complaints system has had a role in helping us to understand
our audiences' concerns," he said.

The introduction of the "global" aerial view on 16 May was the biggest
change to BBC weather forecasts for 20 years.

SNP leader Alex Salmond said the BBC had been "undone by the Western
Isles whirlwind".

"It is great to see that Scottish pressure has made the BBC think
again," he said.

SNP MP Pete Wishart added: "Scotland requires reliable and accurate
weather forecasts and I'm confident this can be secured now we have
regained our rightful size."

But the other main cause of consternation among viewers, the colours,
will not be revised.

The forecasts show land in different shades of brown, depending on the
outlook, with rain appearing as splodges of blue.

Mr Lane said: "Although there have been some comments about the colour
of the map, it is a key part of the new system and helps us to show
detailed weather conditions to be shown over it."