The "i" news-web-site announces the deal whereby the BBC will fund 150 local reporters

Journalists will be employed by regional media - but paid for by BBC
Reporters will cover public services and hold councils to account
BBC's video and audio content can be used on regional media websites
Joint data journalism unit created to produce graphics and stories

The web-site says that from 2017, 150 journalists will be recruited for a new "local public sector reporting service".

The report is here.