United Kingdom - BBC will cut 500 positions in the next two years
The BBC is set to cut 500 jobs over the next two years, according to the annual report of the public-service broadcaster in the UK.
The job cuts are expected to save 200 million pounds (around 238 million Euros), which will be invested in expanding the Premium Video offering and digital capacities, announced the operational business director Leigh Tavaziva to the Press Association. The reduction is planned to be completed by March 2026, with settlement offers also being made.
No increase in contributions despite high inflation
The BBC has been on a cost-cutting spree for some time. Two years ago, savings of 500 million pounds were announced. The previous conservative government refused to allow contribution increases despite high inflation rates for two years.
Under the former conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the BBC was frequently targeted by media attacks from government circles. Johnson publicly speculated about reducing the esteemed broadcaster to a streaming subscription-based offering.
With its annual report, the BBC also disclosed the top salaries of its presenters and reporters. At the top of the salary list is former football professional and sports presenter Gary Lineker, with an annual salary of approximately 1.3 million pounds (around 1.5 million Euros).
- The controversy surrounding Gary Lineker's high salary at the BBC sparked debates among London's media circles last year.
- Despite the job cuts, the BBC continues to operate several radio broadcasting stations across the United Kingdom, reaching millions of listeners daily.
- Critics argue that the BBC's reliance on internet streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer is turning it into just another media organization, losing its public-service character.
- The BBC's annual report highlighted that their digital platforms, including BBC iPlayer, experienced a significant increase in usage during the COVID-19 lockdowns, broadcasting entertainment, news, and educational content to a wider audience.
- The impact of the job cuts at the BBC was felt not only in its headquarters in London but also at regional broadcasting stations across the United Kingdom.
