The UK’s public broadcaster faces a mounting crisis, worsened by a recent lawsuit from Donald Trump
British state broadcaster the BBC is set to cut between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs – about 10% of its workforce – as part of efforts to reduce operating expenses.
Interim Director General Rhodri Talfan Davies, who assumed the role earlier this month, informed employees of the planned downsizing on Wednesday following an all-staff meeting, first reported by the Financial Times. He pointed to “significant financial pressures” facing the organization.
“Put simply, the gap between our costs and our income is growing,” he wrote. “This is being driven by a number of factors: production inflation remains very high; our licence fee and commercial income is under pressure; and the global economy remains turbulent.”
The BBC is seeking to secure at least £500 million ($680 million) in annual savings over the next two years. The public-funded broadcaster currently employs around 21,500 full-time equivalent staff.
Philippa Childs, head of broadcasting union Bectu, warned that the proposed cuts would be “devastating for the workforce” and the BBC itself, noting that employees are “already under significant pressure after previous redundancy rounds.” The reductions would be the largest since 2011.
Davies said further details would be worked out over the next three to four months. He will be replaced in mid-May by former Google executive Matt Brittin, whose media experience is limited to joining the board of The Guardian last year.
Former Director General Tim Davie resigned last November after the BBC faced accusations of political bias, including criticism related to coverage of US President Donald Trump. Trump has filed a lawsuit in Florida accusing the broadcaster of “intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring” a speech he delivered in January 2021 ahead of the US Capitol riot, and is seeking $10 billion in damages.
The cuts come as the BBC negotiates with the government over its future funding, ahead of the expected renewal of its royal charter at the end of 2027. Any inflation-linked increase in the license fee is expected to be offset by a decline in the number of contributors.
In addition to financial pressures and bias allegations, the BBC has recently faced a series of scandals involving child sexual abuse accusations against staff. Last week, former employee Dylan Dawes was found guilty by Cardiff Crown Court of downloading more than 6,000 indecent images of children.