The BBC is set to eliminate 2,000 jobs as part of a strategic initiative to slash expenditure by 10 per cent over the next three years.
Staff members were reportedly informed of the significant redundancies during a company-wide call held on Wednesday afternoon. This move represents the corporation’s most substantial reduction in personnel in nearly 15 years, reports British Online portal Independent.
The announcement coincides with a leadership transition, as former Google executive Matt Brittin prepares to assume the role of director-general next month.
As part of its broader restructuring, the broadcaster has also disclosed plans to drastically downsize the team responsible for covering national occasions, such as State funerals and royal events.
This department will be reduced to a single permanent staff member, who will be supported by freelancers.
The BBC noted that it has already achieved over £500 million in savings over the previous three years, mentioning that much of this capital was reinvested into its output.
However, the corporation cited “substantial financial pressures” within a rapidly evolving media market as the reason for the further 10 per cent cost reduction target.
According to the broadcaster, the measures are intended to enhance productivity and prioritise audience offerings to ensure the organisation provides the best possible value for money for the future.
