BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs as financial pressure mounts

The British public service broadcaster BBC plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs over the next two years in an effort to save around £500 million.

The move would represent the largest workforce reduction at the company in at least a decade, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Most of the layoffs are expected to take place in the next financial year, which begins on April 1, 2027.

Acting Director-General Rhodri Talfan Davies said the decision was driven by inflation, financial pressure, and global economic instability.

He acknowledged uncertainty for staff but stressed the need for transparency about the challenges ahead.

The BBC had previously outlined plans to reduce its budget by around 10% by 2029.

Next month, former Google executive Matt Brittin is set to become the corporation’s new Director-General.

His predecessor, Tim Davie, stepped down following a controversy surrounding a documentary, after which former US President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC.

The broadcaster is primarily funded through a license fee, which was recently raised to £180 per year.

However, amid the growing popularity of streaming services, an increasing numbers of users have criticised the funding model.

The Labour government has said it intends to ensure sustainable funding for the BBC, while not ruling out reforms to the current system.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov