Leigh Tavaziva, the chief operating adviser, explained that these changes are aimed at enhancing its premium video offerings and digital capabilities.
This announcement follows the BBC’s ongoing effort to save £500 million, a plan initiated two years ago.
Tavaziva stated that “significant activity” is already underway to make the corporation “more flexible.” She noted, “In March this year, we announced the need for an additional £200 million in savings and reinvestment to further transform the BBC. This will allow us to invest more in premium video content and develop our digital capabilities.”
She added, “To enhance our digital capabilities while targeting efficiencies, we will continue to close and transfer roles in some areas and create new roles in growth areas over the next two years. This will result in a projected net reduction of 500 roles in the public service sector by March 2026, with additional growth planned in our commercial group.”
A new voluntary redundancy scheme will be launched to support these changes. Tavaziva emphasized, “Our priority remains to protect and champion the BBC’s role as the UK’s public service broadcaster for all our audiences, both local and global. I want to thank all colleagues for their continued efforts and commitment over the past 12 months. I am immensely proud of the exceptional content, creativity, and innovation our teams deliver every day.”
Earlier in 2023, the BBC announced plans to cut 1,000 hours of TV programming to save money, with half of these cuts affecting sports content. The corporation also decided to dismantle its in-house chamber choir, the BBC Singers, and reduce salaried orchestral positions by about 20%.
In December 2022, it cut £11 million from local radio, requiring its 39 stations to share content and reduce localized programming.
In 2016, the BBC aimed to cut £800 million, including £80 million from its news division. This led to the cancellation of the Andrew Neil Show in 2020 and a reduction of 450 jobs across English regional TV news, current affairs, local radio, and online news.
