The FT has reported that the BBC is to announce a major round of job losses, with as many as 2,000 roles potentially affected globally.
An all-staff call is expected at 3pm today, where savings will be addressed, the report claims. It adds that every commissioning team is likely to be affected, although it is not yet known which roles or divisions will be hardest-hit by job cuts.
The BBC announced in February that it would be seeking savings of 10% of costs over the next three years across network and BBC Studios. This would represent the biggest single round of cuts since the World Service shed 382 jobs, or 16% of its workforce in 2022.
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The BBC has already delivered more than half a billion pounds worth of savings in the last three years, which it says it has “been able to reinvest into our output across the BBC.”
It has previously stated: “In a rapidly changing media market, we continue to face substantial financial pressures. As a result we expect to make further savings over the next three years of around 10% of our costs.”
“This is about the BBC becoming more productive and prioritising our offer to audiences to ensure we’re providing the best value for money, both now and in the future.”
The latest round of cuts will serve as something of a baptism of fire for incoming director-general Matt Brittin, the former president of Google EMEA, who will officially take over the role on 18 May. Rhodri Talfan Davies is currently leading the BBC as interim director-general, following Tim Davie’s departure on 2 April in the wake of a number of scandals at the corporation and Donald Trump’s threatened $10bn law suit over the editing of a Panorama documentary.
In the interim, Brittin is undergoing an onboarding process and beginning detailed introductory meetings to get a full understanding of the business. Talfan Davies will have full executive responsibility until 18 May, when Brittin officially begins his tenure.
The BBC has confirmed to Prolific North that a 3pm staff call to address savings is taking place, but declined to offer further comment.
