After the BBC announced new cuts to news and current affairs programming, the U.K.'s National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned the corporation would suffer long-term damage without urgent investment.
The BBC is reportedly facing significant financial pressure and has announced cuts to become more agile.
It aims to save £300 million (AU$582.75 million) annually by 2027/28, in addition to the £400 million (AU$777 million) already saved.
The latest cuts will result in a net loss of 130 jobs, with 185 roles being cut and 55 new ones created.
Key Changes:
- HARDtalk Closure: The iconic show will end in March 2025, replaced by live or pre-recorded programming.
- Overnight News: Millions of UK radio listeners, including those on 5 Live, Radio 2, and 39 Local Radio stations, will now get their overnight news from the BBC World Service, raising concerns about the loss of domestic stories.
- Follow the Sun Strategy: New online news roles in Sydney will boost UK morning output, but most night shifts in London will be cut.
NUJ Concerns
The NUJ warns that important domestic stories may be overshadowed by a global agenda. It is urging voluntary redundancies and calls for adequate funding from the government to sustain the BBC’s role as a public service broadcaster.
With these changes, the BBC is navigating a tough financial landscape, seeking to balance cost-cutting with the need to maintain quality journalism.
Such cuts could lead to a decline in the quality of reporting and a reduction in the breadth of coverage, affecting the BBC's reputation as a trusted news source. This might result in a loss of audience trust and engagement, ultimately impacting the corporation's ability to compete in the digital age. Furthermore, decreased investment in journalism could hinder the development of upcoming talent and innovation within the industry.
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “These latest cuts represent a damaging assault on journalism and news at a time when the UK needs greater plurality and diversity of news and trust in journalism is under attack at home and abroad.
“Some of these decisions represent comparatively modest savings yet will disproportionately undermine the breadth and range of news content the BBC currently provides.”
Laura Davison, NUJ broadcasting organiser, said: “The past year has been one of turbulence for BBC journalists concerned about job security in the face of seemingly endless cost-saving measures. News of 130 net job losses will come as yet another blow to journalists proud to work at our public service broadcaster respected both at home and abroad.
“It is unclear how much journalism at the BBC can withstand without decisive action and investment that recognises the immense benefit of independent, credible news and current affairs programming. The inevitable loss of talent will serve as a double whammy to the organisation, where under-resourced teams must now strive to ensure the sustainability of journalism valued by the public.
“As we unpack detail of proposals, we will bring together NUJ reps to consider next steps alongside the scale and impact of these damaging plans.”