The BBC plans to cut an additional 500 jobs by the end of March 2026, continuing a series of reductions that have already decreased its workforce by 10% over the past five years. In the fall of 2022, the BBC announced it would be eliminating hundreds of stations from its international service and shifting many of its foreign language programs to online platforms.
According to its annual report, the BBC has already cut nearly 2,000 jobs over the past five years.
“By the end of March 2026, we expect to reduce our workforce by around 500 more employees,” the BBC stated.
In addition to a £500 million annual savings plan announced two years ago, the BBC is implementing an additional £200 million cost-cutting plan, which was announced in March.
The BBC intends to place less emphasis on traditional media and invest more in digital services. Director-General Tim Davie, who called for a reform of the license fee system in March as part of an effort to make the BBC more commercially viable, stated, “What we are doing now is a complete overhaul for the future and a massive shift of resources from linear channels to digital.”
One reason for this shift is the migration of younger audiences from traditional platforms to digital platforms and social media. The television market is becoming increasingly challenging for the corporation as streaming services gain popularity and younger viewers turn away from traditional broadcasting.
Additionally, there has been growing criticism of the BBC’s funding model. In March, Tim Davie announced that the BBC is considering various options for reforming the license fee, which is its primary source of funding, after the current charter expires in 2028.
Last year, the BBC collected £3.6 billion in license fees, £80 million less than the previous year, according to its annual report. The license fee currently stands at £169.50 after a recent increase, following a two-year freeze.
