Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by PropertyWire. Read the original article for full details.

Former BBC Presenter Christa Ackroyd Produces Videos for Yorkshire Estate Agency

Christa Ackroyd, former BBC Look North presenter, has started producing property video content for Hunters estate agency in Otley, West Yorkshire. Ackroyd, aged 69, is working with the agency on a freelance basis, creating social media property tours.

Ackroyd has completed two videos for Hunters and has indicated an interest in working with other estate agents in the future. Her involvement comes more than a decade after leaving broadcasting.

Background and Legal History

Ackroyd left the BBC in 2013 following an HMRC investigation into her tax arrangements. She lost a legal dispute over IR35 rules, resulting in a liability of up to £420,000 in tax and National Insurance contributions. The tribunal found she had been incorrectly classified as self-employed for tax purposes, though HMRC did not allege dishonesty. The IR35 rules are designed to prevent tax avoidance through personal service companies and have affected many media professionals.

Property Industry Response

Lester Hurst of Hunters Otley stated that the agency approached Ackroyd after learning of her interest in property. The agency decided to create videos of their most prestigious properties with her involvement. The use of video content in property marketing is increasing, with agencies investing more in social media strategies. While larger agencies face regulatory challenges, smaller regional firms are exploring alternative marketing approaches.

Since leaving the BBC, Ackroyd has contributed to The Yorkshire Post and appeared in television documentaries. Her move into property video production reflects a broader trend of former broadcast journalists moving into specialist content creation within the property sector. Hurst reported that the initial response to the videos has been significant, but no specific metrics on property viewings or sales conversions were disclosed.