BBC must save - massive upheaval planned
The British public broadcaster BBC is facing massive upheaval. A quarter of its current radio, television, and online programming is set to be cut. This would result in savings of approximately 600 million pounds. As part of the restructuring, 600 jobs are set to be eliminated.
BBC director Mark Thompson said in London on Tuesday that a quarter less money would also be spent on the website over three years. According to the plans, the quality of the content is to be improved despite all the savings. More television will be produced in-house and less will be bought in from abroad. Broadcasts of sporting events, including the Wimbledon tennis tournament and Formula 1 races, will also be affected.
The BBC Radio Council still has to approve the plans. A months-long discussion is expected. The radio union Bectu spoke of "unnecessary" and "politically motivated" savings ahead of the general election. Instead of content, the salaries of top earners were to be cut. The union has already announced strikes against the plans.
The BBC Radio Council still has to approve the plans. A months-long discussion is expected. The radio union Bectu spoke of "unnecessary" and "politically motivated" savings ahead of the general election. Instead of content, the salaries of top earners were to be cut. The union has already announced strikes against the plans.
