BBC to axe programmes and cut content spending

The BBC has announced sweeping cuts across TV, news and radio.

The BBC director general, Matt Brittin, has today announced plans to axe television programmes and cut content spending. The former Google head confirmed that £80 million in content spending will be cut from the BBC’s budget, the 57-year-old announced. Existing programmes will also face the chopping block, although those are as yet unknown.

The move comes as part of a wider cost-cutting strategy within the BBC. Other affected areas will be jobs, predominantly in BBC News, television and radio. The BBC also plan to “review our broadcast TV channels and radio network portfolio”. Entire channels at the BBC are also at risk of getting cut.

The announcement is large, but one can argue not unsurprising. As more and more viewers move to iPlayer and other online avenues, the BBC’s terrestrial coverage becomes harder to sell. The cuts are in an effort to sustain “output” and “audience value and impact”.

Uncertainty is the future at the BBC

The announcement comes hot off the heels that Doctor Who would be taking a back seat for the time being. The show was put “out to competitive tender”, and is now welcoming bids for the future outlook of the show. Subsequently, the previously slated Christmas special has been cancelled. Russell T. Davies is also no longer attached as show-runner.

The Doctor Who announcement was potentially a precursor to today’s announcement. The future of the BBC’s content output is now in question, as are the jobs of many within the organisation. Future cuts are planned, which could well include further shrinkage of content, and losing programmes altogether.

Brittin’s cuts are drastic, but also reflect the realities of broadcast in an era of increasing costs. Jobs won’t just be lost in the lower levels, as 10% of senior level staff will also be cut. However, this is unlikely to be the last of it during a difficult time at the BBC.