The BBC has announced sweeping cuts of £80 million across its television, radio, and news programming, as new director-general Matt Brittin outlines plans to streamline the corporation. Licence fee payers will also see a reduction in services and choices as part of the £40 million-a-year savings.
Key Changes Announced
In a staff email on Wednesday, Brittin stated that the BBC must become "simpler and faster" and avoid duplication. Among the confirmed changes:
- BBC Breakfast will no longer air on Sunday mornings from September.
- The production teams for Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and Newsnight will merge.
- Radio 4's The World Tonight will end in September, replaced by Newshour.
- The number of permanent presenters on Today will be reduced from five to four, with a single anchor on Saturdays.
Further Radio 4 Cuts
Several other Radio 4 programmes will end within the next year, including:
- Midnight News
- Money Box Live
- AntiSocial
- The Law Show
- Crossing Continents
- On the World Service
- The Inquiry
- The Conversation
- The Fifth Floor
Job Losses
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be cut across the broadcaster in the coming months, including 550 jobs in the news and nations divisions.
Brittin also hinted at a potential reduction in dramas, describing them as "expensive" for the BBC to produce.
