BBC Breakfast will be among the high-profile shows affected after the new director general announced plans to cut £80 million from programming on TV, radio and news as part of huge cuts across the corporation.
Matt Brittin's Plans
Former Google executive Matt Brittin unveiled his plans in a staff email today where he said the BBC must be “simpler and faster” going forward and try to avoid duplication. But aside from huge staff cuts, for Licence Fee payers the impact will be felt in terms of a reduction in services and choices as part of the £40m-a-year cuts.
Confirmed Changes
Amongst the confirmed changes announced, BBC One's Breakfast will no longer air on Sunday mornings from September whilst the production teams making Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and Newsnight will merge. Radio 4's The World Tonight will end from September, and the number of permanent presenters on Today will be cut from five to four with a single anchor on the show on Saturdays.
Confirming the move, Brittin said: "We will reduce commissioning spend across Content, News and Nations by around £80 million in 2027–28 and review our broadcast TV channels and radio network portfolio as audiences move online."
It will mean other much loved shows, series and radio programmes are likely to be axed later this year and also next year. It could also mean a reduction in genres like drama which are expensive for the BBC to make.
Staff Impact
A total of between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to go across the British broadcaster in the coming months. This includes some 550 jobs in the BBC’s news and nations divisions. Brittin said this will help deliver £160M of savings. He added that 700 roles will close in the BBC’s corporate divisions.
Brittin added: “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.”
World Cup Coverage
Signs of the corporation’s attempts to save money have already been seen on screen and a point of discussion during the World Cup. The BBC has opted to keep its presenters and pundits in their Salford studios instead of travelling to the US to save money. But the decision has not been without controversy with some saying ITV’s coverage of the event has been superior.
Brittin concluded his email to staff by saying: “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.”
