BBC director-general Matt Brittin has announced that 550 of the planned 1,800 to 2,000 job cuts at the corporation will be taken from BBC News and TV and radio-related roles.
Cost Savings and Programme Cuts
The 57-year-old has also announced the BBC is to axe programmes and cut content spending by £80 million, and added it would “review our broadcast TV channels and radio network portfolio” as more of its audience moves online, while attempting to sustain “output” and “audience value and impact”. The BBC has not indicated which programmes would be axed under the plans.
Impact on Corporate Roles
Job cuts will also impact around 700 corporate roles, as the BBC attempts to make £500 million in savings over two years, with job cuts announced in April set to take place over the next three years. The director-general said in an email to staff it is hoped cuts and savings in BBC News and further TV and radio areas will make £160 million in cost savings.
Staff Communication
Brittin told staff in the email: “The scale of savings requires tough choices, careful work and won’t all be ready at once. We are committed to letting you know as soon as we have plans in your area. All divisions will be making significant savings…
“We live in very uncertain times. Our audiences rely on us every day to keep them informed, entertained and equipped to make sense of the world. Making savings while fulfilling our mission means a doubly difficult time for everyone. Do speak to your leaders and use the support that’s available. In the meantime, thank-you for all you are doing.”
Leadership Reduction
He added that the BBC would be reducing senior leaders by “at least” 10% to make it “simpler and faster”. The former Google executive said further details on cuts and savings would be announced “in the months ahead”.
Upcoming Staff Call
Brittin will host an all-staff call next Tuesday at 2pm, to take questions. The director-general took up the role in May, replacing Tim Davie who announced his resignation in November 2025 after editorial coverage led to a 10 billion dollar (£7.5 billion) lawsuit from US President Donald Trump over the editing of a Panorama documentary.
