The BBC said Thursday that it is cutting more than 1,000 jobs, mostly in management, as part of a long-term drive to reduce costs that has been accelerated by changing viewing habits.
More people are watching programmes online, leading to a sharper than expected decline in the numbers paying the BBC licence fee levied on all households with a television, the British broadcaster said.
The income from the fee, frozen by the government at £145.50 a year, is now forecast to be £150 million (211 million euros, $234 million) less in 2016/17 than it was expected to be four years ago.
As a result, the BBC has proposed merging divisions, cutting up to three layers of management in some areas and "simplifying" support services such as marketing, finance, human resources and IT.
"More than 1,000 posts will be lost as a result," saving £50 million, the broadcaster said in a statement.
The latest annual report from in July 2014 put the total BBC staff at 16,672, up from 16,534 the previous year but down from 17,242 two years before that.
The income from the licence fee in 2013/14 stood at £3.72 billion, up from £3.71 billion the previous year.
A BBC spokeswoman could not say what proportion of the jobs cut would be redundancies, or in which departments the axe would fall heaviest.
In July last year, BBC News said it would cut 415 jobs from its news department as part of a restructuring plan.
The BBC also announced 2,000 job cuts in November 2011, although a review subsequently reduced that number to about 580.
"A simpler, leaner, BBC is the right thing to do and it can also help us meet the financial challenges we face," said the organisation's director general, Tony Hall.
"We've already significantly cut the costs of running the BBC, but in times of very tough choices we need to focus on what really matters -- delivering outstanding programmes and content for all our audiences."
AFP
Thu Jul 02 2015
In this file picture taken on February 18, 2013, a man walks past an 'anti-cuts' placard outside the BBC White City Media Village in west London. - AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.