BBC staff have voiced their frustration during a management call about the company's plans for further job cuts. The corporation is seeking to save £500million, which has already seen several beloved shows and jobs cut in the past 10 months.
Last week, BBC Director General Matt Brittin warned that some TV channels and radio stations "may well" close as a result of cost-cutting measures. Speaking with journalist Laura Kuenssberg, she asked if some TV channels and radio stations may need to close this year, to which he bluntly replied: "It may well mean that".
Staff protest during town hall meeting
On Friday (October 2), staff were reportedly called into a town hall meeting to discuss further cost-cutting initiatives across the business. Leaders in the BBC Media Tech, the unit that manages BBC iPlayer and other online services, were allegedly detailing plans to cut 110 roles.
According to Deadline, it was at this point that employees began posting a "storm" of crying-laughing emojis in the chat feature. Insiders revealed that questions and comments are normally locked during internal calls, but the emoji feature was still open to workers, who made good use of it.
The publication claims that the BBC's chief operations and portfolio officer, Kelly Kowal, was interrupted by the blizzard of emojis. She reportedly voiced her disappointment during the meeting and took to Slack to share her frustration.
More cuts expected next week
The protest came as the BBC prepares to announce more cuts next week, with director general Matt Brittin planning to address staff next Wednesday (October 7), which is expected to be chaired by Radio 4 Today show host Anna Foster.
Express.co.uk has reached out to the BBC for a comment. It comes after the publication revealed that insiders expect Brittin to confirm TV and radio network closures, having delayed plans to announce the changes this week.
Radio 4 Extra and BBC Three under threat
So far, BBC Three is expected to be on the chopping block, alongside Radio 4 Extra, which is also reportedly under threat. The BBC Media Tech job cuts are part of a fresh £37million round of savings, following the division's £42million in cuts earlier this year.
A further £23million in savings is planned for early 2027, meaning BBC Media Tech will contribute £102million to the corporation's overall target of £500million, which the BBC must deliver because of the growing number of Brits who are refusing to pay the licence fee.
