The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned the BBC risks becoming trapped in an “inescapable doom spiral” if it continues to cut more jobs.
In June, the corporation announced its intention to axe up to 2,000 roles in an attempt to make £500 million in savings over two years. Among the cuts, 550 will be from BBC News and TV and radio-related roles which director-general Matt Brittin said he hoped would make £160 million in cost savings.
Sports department cuts and union response
This week, it emerged the broadcaster will cut 41 roles within its sports department. The NUJ said its members ‘deserve better’.
Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said: “The BBC’s ongoing campaign of cuts is devastating and demoralising for our members and severely undermines the broadcaster’s ability to serve audiences across the UK. The latest wave of cuts piles on the misery already being felt.
“Our members deserve better. Previous rounds of cuts have resulted in unmanageable workloads, low morale, loss of staff, and fewer opportunities for freelancers or career progression. Another round of cuts will add to that burden and stress.
Impact on audiences and the wider media
“Audiences deserve better too. Millions of people across the UK now live in news deserts.
“We have already had major cuts to Local BBC Radio in recent years.
“More widely, hundreds of local papers have gone extinct, and there have been mass redundancies – just last week Reach, the UK and Ireland’s largest commercial publisher, announced another 160 job cuts.
Calls for reform and funding
“Instead of cutting staffing and services to the bone, management should be focusing on securing positive reforms that guarantee a bright future for our public broadcaster.
“The more cuts the BBC makes, the more its services suffer. This makes it more difficult for the broadcaster to justify public spending, which in turn leads to further cuts.
“The BBC is at risk of entering an inescapable doom spiral if it continues in this direction.”
The union’s Back The BBC campaign, which reflects members’ priorities, has called for a new charter to include sufficient and secure funding and vital governance reforms, including proper representation and real independence.
Ms Davison said: “The union is writing to the Chancellor calling for urgent intervention in the autumn Budget to protect jobs.
“The Government can alleviate pressure on the BBC by taking back full funding of the World Service and free licences for eligible over-75s.
“The NUJ will continue its Back The BBC campaign, calling for secure funding and vital governance reforms under Charter Renewal.
“We will also carry on supporting members collectively and individually though these difficult times.”
The intention to cut up to 2,000 roles marks the BBC’s biggest round of job cuts in almost 15 years. Mr Brittin also said the corporation would be reducing senior leaders by “at least” 10% to make it “simpler and faster”. The BBC has been contacted for comment.
