BBC to cut 550 jobs in major cost-saving drive

The British public service broadcaster BBC has announced plans to cut 550 jobs across its news and content divisions.

The announcement was reported by Sky News, citing a letter sent to staff by BBC Director-General Matt Brittin.

According to the corporation, some long-running programmes will be discontinued, and teams will be merged as part of a restructuring process.

The measures are expected to reduce annual costs by around £160 million (approximately $214 million). In the coming months, the broadcaster is also expected to announce further steps, including the reduction of around 700 positions in its corporate division.

Overall, the BBC plans to cut costs by £500 million over three years, with total job reductions expected to range between 1,800 and 2,000 employees.