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BBC to Cut Up to 2,000 Jobs as Cost-Saving Drive Deepens

The cuts signal a funding squeeze caused by falling licence-fee income.

Overview

  • The BBC, which disclosed the plan Wednesday, will reduce headcount by 1,800 to 2,000 roles.
  • The corporation targets about £500 million in savings over the next two years as part of a three-year push to cut roughly 10% of costs.
  • Interim chief Rhodri Talfan Davies warned that entire channels or services could close as he prepares "big and difficult decisions."
  • Falling licence-fee receipts since 2017, higher production costs and a weak advertising market have eroded the broadcaster’s budget.
  • Incoming Director-General Matt Brittin, who starts May 18, will inherit union anger over possible damage to quality and a $10 billion U.S. defamation case from President Donald Trump set for trial in February 2027.